The Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Nkem Udeze, has expressed strong disapproval following the escape of two suspects connected to the brutal murder of lawmaker Justice Azuka. These suspects, who had been held by police, reportedly fled during an operation aimed at apprehending a receiver of stolen goods and recovering stolen vehicles.
Justice Azuka, a member of the Labour Party, was kidnapped from Ugwunankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha. After nearly 40 days of intense searching, his decomposing body was found on the 2nd Niger Bridge, leaving the public in shock.
In a statement, Speaker Udeze condemned the escape, noting that it “casts a shadow over the otherwise commendable and professional manner” in which the police had handled the investigation. He called on Anambra’s Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, to double down on efforts to recapture the fugitives.
To aid in the search, Udeze further urged the police to immediately issue a public alert for the suspects, complete with their names, addresses, and photos, to garner public assistance in their swift recapture.