Anambra CP orders re-arrest of two armed robbery suspects

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the immediate re-arrest of two criminal suspects over a case of armed robbery following the discovery of an administrative lapse by a police prosecutor.

It was gathered that the suspects, identified as Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba, were initially arrested over an alleged criminal offence involving a case of armed robbery, but were released.

In a press statement on Wednesday, the Spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the case took a new turn when a new testimony by victims identified the suspects as active participants in the case of armed robbery.

Ikenga said the command has filed a new charge before the High Court sitting in the state to ensure that justice is duly served

The statement read in part, “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed the immediate re-arrest of one Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba, alleged criminal offenders over a case of Armed robbery, following the discovery of an administrative lapse by a Police prosecutor.

“In a swift response, the Command has filed a new Charge before the High Court sitting in the State to ensure that justice is duly served.

“The Command also notes a new testimony by victims who identified the suspect and are active participants in the Case of armed robbery.

In line with his zero-tolerance stance on professional negligence, the CP has ordered disciplinary measures against the officers involved in the error, stressing that such lapses will not be condoned under his watch.”

According to him, this decisive action underscores the Command’s unwavering commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the rule of law in the discharge of its duties.

Punch Online reported that on May 13, 2025, the Anambra State Police Command 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, 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.