Police Recapture Fugitive Murder Suspect Ikemefuna Ossai in Murder of Anambra Lawmaker, Justice Azuka

 

After months of a relentless pursuit across state lines and international borders, the Anambra State Police Command has successfully rearrested Ikemefuna Ossai, the key suspect in the brutal abduction and killing of Justice Azuka, a serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Ossai, who initially escaped from police custody earlier this year, was finally apprehended on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has gripped Anambra State and sparked public outrage over the daring murder of a sitting lawmaker.

Justice Azuka, who represented the Onitsha 1 Constituency, was kidnapped on Christmas Eve 2024. Despite extensive efforts to locate him, his body was tragically discovered on February 6 near the Second Niger Bridge. Authorities arrested Ossai on the same day in connection with the heinous crime.

Barely two weeks into detention, Ossai managed to escape on February 18 during a police operation in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area. Alongside another gang member, he slipped from the grip of law enforcement while leading officers to apprehend another suspect linked to the case.

The escape prompted internal investigations and heightened criticism of the state’s security infrastructure, with many demanding answers from the police. The lapse dealt a major blow to the credibility of the operation and temporarily stalled progress in unraveling the broader criminal syndicate behind the murder.

Led by Chief Superintendent of Police Ifeanyi Iburu, formerly in charge of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) in Anambra, a special task force reignited the manhunt. The squad tracked Ossai’s movements through multiple Nigerian states and even pursued leads into neighbouring West African countries. The operation, driven by actionable intelligence and persistent surveillance, eventually zeroed in on Asaba.

When law enforcement agents closed in, Ossai reportedly attempted another escape. He was swiftly overpowered, sustaining a gunshot wound to the leg during the confrontation.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed the suspect’s arrest and provided critical updates on the ongoing investigation. The statement emphasized the intensity of the manhunt and the resolve of the command to bring every individual involved in the crime to justice.

“The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country,” Ikenga disclosed. “He was eventually apprehended on May 7 in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued.”

Efforts are currently underway to extract further intelligence from Ossai, which police believe could be instrumental in dismantling the larger criminal network connected to the murder. Authorities have already acted on some of the information obtained, leading to ongoing operations against other suspects still at large.

The Commissioner of Police has reached out to the family of the late lawmaker and leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly to brief them on the latest developments. During the engagement, he reportedly acknowledged the operational failings that allowed the initial escape and reassured stakeholders of the command’s commitment to transparency.

Security across Anambra State remains a top priority for the police. With renewed momentum in the investigation, law enforcement agencies are intensifying their search for the remaining fugitives and accomplices, vowing to ensure that the perpetrators of this “heinous crime” face the full weight of justice.

The arrest of Ossai, though belated, offers a glimmer of hope for justice in a case that has left the community shaken. As the investigation moves forward, residents watch closely, hoping for closure and a stronger security framework to prevent future tragedies.