Anambra State Police Commissioner, CP Ikioye Orutugu has addressed concerns over the recent escape of two suspects connected to the murder of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
Reports had it that the suspects escaped while in police custody, sparking public outrage and allegations that officers may have aided their escape.
However, during a press briefing on Friday, the new Commissioner of Police, Orutugu, clarified that the incident occurred before he assumed office.
He stated, “When I took over as Commissioner, I promised transparency. So, I want to provide clarity on the escape of two suspects in the lawmaker’s murder case.”
According to Orutugu, the incident happened on February 8 in Obosi. The two suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai and Chinedu Okoli, were among 11 people who had already confessed and been paraded by the police. However, they were not the main suspects but had served as drivers for those involved in the crime.
The police chief said the escape occurred during an operation to arrest Tochukwu Okolisa, a suspect accused of purchasing the victim’s stolen jeep and belongings. To lure him (Okolisa) in, the suspects were allowed to pose as sellers of another vehicle. However, during the operation, the suspects managed to drive off, abandon the vehicle, and flee into the bush.
CP Orutugu, however, assured the public that despite this setback, the principal suspects remained in custody and that efforts were underway to recapture the fleeing individuals.
He urged people not to panic, assuring that the investigation was still on track.
