By Nwabueze Okonkwo

ONITSHA — The Anambra State Police Command has rearrested Ikemefuna Ossai, one of the principal suspects in the kidnap and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North I Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly.

Ossai was reportedly apprehended in Warri, Delta State by a crack team of police officers led by CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, former officer-in-charge of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) and Anti-Kidnapping Squad (AKS) of the Anambra State Police Command.

The development was confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, on Tuesday. He noted that the suspect’s capture followed a painstaking, intelligence-led operation.

SP Ikenga revealed that Ossai had previously escaped from police custody and was tracked across multiple states in Nigeria, even extending to a neighboring West African country before his eventual rearrest.

“Upon sighting the operatives, the suspect attempted to evade arrest but was swiftly subdued. This led to a gunshot injury on his leg during the process,” Ikenga explained.

SP Ikenga reiterated the Anambra State Police Command’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and the ongoing effort to ensure safety across the state. He added that relevant stakeholders, including the family of the late lawmaker and the leadership of the Anambra State House of Assembly, have been briefed on the latest development.

During the engagement, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, acknowledged the operational lapses that led to Ossai’s initial escape and expressed regret over the incident.

“Following this development, actionable intelligence obtained from the suspect is currently aiding ongoing operations. The Command has intensified efforts to apprehend the remaining fugitives and dismantle the criminal network responsible for these heinous crimes,” Ikenga stated.

The Anambra State Police Command also reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to bringing all perpetrators to justice and ensuring continued security for the people of Anambra.

Reacting to the arrest, the Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) praised the professionalism demonstrated by CSP Iburu in re-arresting the notorious kidnapper and escapee.

In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, HURIDE lauded the swift action taken by the Anambra State Police Command and its zero tolerance for crime. Uzor noted that an elated CSP Iburu called him to share the good news of the rearrest.

It would be recalled that Ikemefuna Ossai and an accomplice, Chinedu, escaped from police custody in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area when officers had taken them to apprehend the receiver of vehicles allegedly snatched during the kidnap of Justice Azuka and others in their series of operations.

The Anambra State Police Command has vowed to intensify its crackdown on all remaining suspects and dismantle the criminal networks threatening peace and security in the state.