Nine Arrested Over Murder of Anambra Lawmaker Justice Azuka

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested nine individuals suspected of involvement in the abduction and murder of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency.

Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home for Christmas. After weeks of frantic search efforts, his decomposing body was discovered on February 6, 2025, near the Second Niger Bridge.

Announcing the arrests during a press briefing, Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam, revealed that a joint security operation comprising police operatives and Anambra Vigilante Group (AVG) personnel led to the capture of the suspects. He also stated that two pump-action guns were recovered from the gang.

The Arrested Suspects and Their Notorious Activities

The nine suspects arrested in connection with Azuka’s murder include:

Ugochukwu Onuorah (30)

Ikemefuna Ossai (20)

Ikenna Orugu (27)

Chibuike Obiefuna (19)

Chinonso Olisa (19)

Chinedu Okoli (21)

David Ojini (25)

Peter Sunday (20), who was described as particularly notorious, with a tattoo on his chest reading “No peace 4 d Government”

According to CP Itam, one of the suspects sustained a gunshot injury during a confrontation with security operatives before his eventual arrest.

Investigations suggest that the kidnappers had initially demanded a ransom of ₦20 million, but some reports indicate they may have forcibly withdrawn ₦100 million from Azuka’s bank account before killing him. One of the suspects allegedly confessed that the gang shot Azuka twice in the head after obtaining the funds.

Conflicting Accounts on the Ransom Payment

During their parade at the Anambra State Police Headquarters, the suspects presented conflicting accounts regarding the ransom. While initial intelligence reports suggested the criminals withdrew ₦100 million, the suspects denied receiving any payment before executing the lawmaker.

Police sources, however, maintain that forensic analysis of Azuka’s financial records will determine whether funds were transferred to the kidnappers before his death. Investigators are also tracking electronic transactions linked to the suspects.

CP Itam assured the public that all those involved in the gruesome act would be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, stressing that the Anambra Police Command remains committed to crushing criminal syndicates operating in the state.

Anambra’s Worsening Security Crisis

Justice Azuka’s murder is the second high-profile killing of a serving Anambra lawmaker in less than three years. In May 2022, Okechukwu Okoye, who represented Aguata 2 Constituency, was abducted and later found beheaded in a chilling act of violence that sent shockwaves across the state.

The latest incident has once again raised concerns over the escalating insecurity in Anambra, particularly the rise in kidnappings for ransom and politically motivated killings. Residents have urged Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s administration and security agencies to implement more effective crime-fighting strategies to restore public confidence.

In response to these concerns, CP Itam emphasized that his command has neutralized over 100 notorious criminals and dismantled several criminal hideouts in Ufuma, Eziowelle, Achalla, and Ogbaru. He assured residents that more proactive measures were being taken to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Government and Public Reactions

The killing of Justice Azuka has drawn widespread condemnation from political leaders, civil society groups, and residents. Governor Chukwuma Soludo described the incident as “a heinous attack on democracy and the rule of law”, vowing that his administration would not tolerate criminality in any form.

Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Uche Okafor, also expressed deep sorrow over Azuka’s death, calling for swift justice and enhanced security measures to protect public officials.

Meanwhile, human rights activists and community leaders have demanded that the suspects be swiftly prosecuted and given maximum punishment if found guilty. Some have called for more community-driven security initiatives to help curb the rising tide of violent crimes in the state.

As investigations continue, the people of Anambra remain hopeful that the arrests mark a turning point in the battle against criminal elements terrorizing the state.