By OBINNA UNAEZE

The Anambra Police Command has attributed the escape of two suspects detained in connection with the murder of the late lawmaker in the state, Justice Azuka, to “operational lapses”.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Ikioye Orutugu, disclosed this at a news briefing in Awka on Friday.

“As the substantive Commissioner of Police, I consider it a priority to ensure the re-arrest of these suspects and implement stringent measures to prevent such a security breach in the future.

“I have duly briefed the Force Headquarters on the current situation and the steps taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects and initiate disciplinary action against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape,” he said.

Orutugu said that the unfortunate incident occurred two days before he assumed office as the CP on February 10.

According to him, upon receiving intelligence regarding this case on February 18, I deemed it necessary to brief residents of the state and the general public, affirming the command’s commitment to keeping residents informed about the evolving security situation in the state.

“Recognising the gravity of the development, I personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.

“Findings from our investigation confirm that the incident took place on February 8 in Obosi.

He said that two suspects on the run included Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta and Chinedu Okoli from Imo.

The CP said that the suspects were among the 11 suspects in police custody that were paraded by the command before their escape.

Orutugu said that the two suspects were not the principal actors in the crime but served as drivers for the gang.

According to him, the duo were assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, toward apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra.

He said that by their statement, Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.

“During an operation to catch him, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ossai and Okoli.

“In the course of this operation, Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody.

“However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape from a vehicle.

“Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush.

“Unfortunately, all the efforts to catch them have so far been unsuccessful,” the police chief said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the late lawmaker was kidnapped on Dec. 24, 2024, in Onitsha.

His decomposing body was later found by joint security force on February 6 at the Second Niger Bridge.

He was buried on February 15. (NAN)