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By Madu Obi
The Anambra State Police command confirmed last night that two suspects detained in connection with the murder of Hon Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 constituency in the state House of Assembly, have escaped from custody.
The decomposing body of Hon Azuka, who was elected on the platform of the Labour Party, LP, was found on the 2nd Niger Bridge 40 days after he was kidnapped at Ugwunankpa road, Inland Town, Onitsha.
His remains were buried at the weekend in Onitsha amidst tears.
Confirming the escape of two of the suspected killers, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the command is working to rearrest them.
He also said that operatives involved in the escape of the detainees would be sanctioned.
His statement read: "The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, on receipt of the report of the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of Late Hon Justice Azuka, member representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, has swung into action.
"He has consequently deployed both human, operational and intelligence assets of the command for the re-arrest of the suspects and directed immediate disciplinary action against the officers found wanting in this regard.
"Preliminary information revealed that following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects were assisting the Police Investigating Officers in an operation to arrest the receiver and recover the operational vehicles that the gang used in their deadly activities.
"But 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. Unfortunately, the other two suspects fled the scene.
"To this end, the CP assured that the command is on the offensive against every criminal element in the state and that efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and justice served.
"The erring officers will also face disciplinary action, if found culpable".
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