Murder of Anambra lawmaker: Police take responsibility for the escape of two suspects from custody

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State Police command has taken full responsibility for the operational lapses regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the gruesome murder of Hon Justice Azuka, the member that represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the state House of Assembly.

Several people were arrested and detained after the decomposing body of the lawmaker was discovered at the second Niger Bridge . However, people were taken aback when it was reported that two of the suspects, including the one fingered to have shot the lawmaker, escaped from RRS custody.

In a statement in Awka, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command takes responsibility for what happened.

He said: "The command hereby reiterates that among other necessary security measures ongoing by the police to improve safety in the state, it shall not rest until the fleeing suspects are re-arrested and all those involved brought to book.

Given the above, in the spirit of transparency, the command has briefed Ndi Anambra and the general public, reaffirming the command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.

Also, while noting the right of individuals or groups for freedom of speech, the command urges relevant stakeholders to exercise restraint on the comments/reactions to avoid inciting one another to prevent the escalation of tensions.

Most importantly is to ensure that the investigation remains impartial, thereby upholding the principles of justice."