Two suspects linked to murder of Anambra lawmaker escape from police custody

The police command in Anambra says two suspected killers of Justice Azuka, a member of the state house of assembly, have escaped from custody.

Azuka was abducted and attacked by gunmen on Christmas eve as he made his way home for the festivities.

Early this month, the lifeless body of Azuka was found on the Second Niger Bridge.

According to PREMIUM TIMES, Tochukwu Ikenga, the police spokesperson in Anambra, announced the escape of the suspects in a statement on Tuesday night.

Ikenga said the two suspects, who were assisting operatives, had gone out with them for an investigation to arrest a receiver of vehicles used by the criminal gang but escaped from the scene.

He said Ikioye Orutugu, the police commissioner in Anambra, received the report of the escape on Tuesday night.

“During the onslaught operation by the operatives, the suspect (the receiver) was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from the unsuspecting members of the public were recovered,” the police spokesperson was quoted as saying.

“Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.”

He added that the police commissioner has deployed “human, operational, and intelligence assets” to re-arrest the suspects.

Ikenga said he also ordered “immediate disciplinary action” against officers found wanting in the escape of the suspects.