By Azuka Nweke
The Police Command in Anambra state says the two fleeing suspects involved in the murder of a former member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, late Justice Azuka are not the principal suspects in the ongoing investigation.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ikioye Orutugu made the clarification while speaking with Journalists at the Command Headquarters in Amawbia.
According to him, it is important to reiterate that the unfortunate incident occurred two days before he formally assumed office as the Commissioner of Police, on 10th February 2025.
The Police Commissioner, however, noted that upon receiving intelligence regarding the case on 18th February, he deemed it necessary to brief the people of Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the Command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the area.
Mr. Orutugo explained that recognizing the gravity of the development, he personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.
He revealed that the two fleeing suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, were among the eleven suspects apprehended and paraded by the Command earlier.
The Commissioner of Police declared that while the two are not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers for the criminal gang.
According to him, the two suspects were assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State.
According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.
During an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu.
In the course of this operation, Tochukwu Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody.
However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle.
The Commissioner said that despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush in Obosi and unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful.
Mr Orutugo reiterated that the Command consider it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of the suspects and to implement stringent measures to prevent such security breaches in the future.
The Commissioner of Police stressed that he has briefed the Force Headquarters on the current situation and the steps taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary actions against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape.
