Police rearrest escaped suspected kidnapper of Anambra lawmaker

 

The Anambra State Police Command has rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late member, representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

 

It was gathered that the suspect was re-arrested in Asaba, Delta State, by a team of Police operatives led by the former Officer-in-Charge of Anambra Special Anti-Robbery Squad, Ifeanyi Iburu, a Chief Superintendent of Police.

 

Ossai was first arrested on February 6, the day the lifeless body of the kidnapped lawmaker, who was abducted on December 24, 2024, was found by security operatives near the Second Niger Bridge.

 

He reportedly escaped on February 18, alongside one of his gang members at Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, when they accompanied some police officers to arrest another suspect linked to the crime.

 

In a press statement released on Tuesday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said he was arrested on May 7, following a painstaking and intelligence-led operation, after he was tracked across multiple states in Nigeria and neighbouring countries.

 

The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the public that its operatives have successfully rearrested one Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect in the kidnapping and gruesome murder of the late Justice Azuka, the distinguished Member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

“This rearrest followed a painstaking and intelligence-led operation. The suspect, who had previously escaped custody, was tracked across multiple states within Nigeria and even into a neighbouring West African country.

 

“He was eventually apprehended on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State. Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to escape arrest but was swiftly subdued and sustained a gunshot wound to the leg in the process.”

 

Ikenga said the Police Command, in its continued commitment to transparency and accountability, has briefed relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly.

 

“During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police acknowledged and expressed regret over the operational lapses that led to the suspect’s earlier escape.

 

“Further to this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitive and dismantle the criminal network responsible for this heinous crime.

 

“The Anambra State Police Command reiterates its unwavering resolve to bring all perpetrators to justice and ensure the safety and security of Ndi Anambra,” the statement added.