At least nine suspected kidnappers and killers of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, have been arrested by security operatives. Azuka was kidnapped in Onitsha on December 24, 2024.
According to The Vanguard, the suspects were caught during a joint security operation involving different law enforcement groups. These included the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu, previously known as the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), as well as officers from newly formed security outfits in Anambra State, such as Agunaechemba and Udo Ga Achi. The Special Anti-Touting Squad of Anambra State (SASA) also took part in the operation.
A statement released by the security operatives listed the names of the arrested suspects. Among them was 16-year-old Kelvin Ikechukwu Ossai, also known as Ikem, who is originally from Aboh in Delta State but lives in Ogbe-Ukwu, Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra State. Another suspect, identified as Ekene from Ebonyi State, is accused of shooting Hon. Justice Azuka twice in the leg. Other suspects included Prince, also known as Tukwasi, from Abia State, Uzo from Imo State, and Ugoo, also known as Ojiekpere.
Most of the suspects were found and arrested in Asaba, Delta State. However, two of them were caught at the Bridgehead after engaging in a gunfight with security operatives.
During the operation, law enforcement officers also recovered weapons used by the gang. These included two pump-action rifles that had been buried inside the compound of Osa Dennis Secondary School in Asaba, Delta State.
According to Ikem, who happens to be one of the principal suspects, during a confessional statement said, "we were not contracted by anybody to kidnap Azuka. He just ran into us while we were in an operation and we decided to abduct him."
The spokesperson for the joint security team, who chose to remain anonymous, revealed that the arrested gang members had been living in luxury in Asaba, spending money they made from their crimes in Anambra State. Reports indicate that over 200 people have been kidnapped in the state in the past year. The gang allegedly used stolen cars and money taken from their victims to fund their extravagant lifestyle. They were described as ruthless criminals who operated without much resistance.
Security operatives are still searching for the remaining gang members, including individuals identified as Ugoo Kewe, Nonso, and others who are still on the run.
The operation was led by Agunaechemba, a newly established security outfit in Anambra State, which played a key role in dismantling the criminal network.
Meanwhile, the brutal killing of Hon. Justice Azuka has sparked widespread outrage. The Civil Liberties Organization (CLO), Anambra State Branch, condemned the murder, calling it barbaric and inhumane.
