The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has explained the circumstances that led to the escape of two high-profile suspects from the costudy of operatives of the Command.
Orutugu stated this on Friday, while briefing journalists at the Command’s headquarters, in Awka.
247nextnews.com reports that the suspects, Ikemefuna Ossai and Chinedu Okoli, who were linked to the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, allegedly escaped on February 8, while leading operatives to arrest another suspect in Onitsha.
The CP who said the incident occurred two days to his formal takeover of the Command, however explained steps he had taken to ensure a re-arrest of the fleeing suspects.
He said: “Recognizing the gravity of this development, I personally took measures to ensure a meticulous investigation aimed at uncovering the circumstances surrounding the case.
“Findings from our investigation confirm that the incident took place on 8th February 2025 in Obosi. Two suspects, identified as Ikemefuna Ossai from Delta State and Chinedu Okoli from Imo State, are among the eleven (11) suspects already apprehended and paraded by the Command.
“While they are not the principal actors in the crime, they served as drivers for the criminal gang. The duo was assisting operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RSS) Awkuzu in apprehending one Tochukwu Akolisa from Anambra State.
“According to their statements, Tochukwu Akolisa was one of the receivers or buyers of stolen vehicles and belongings of their victims.
“During an operation to arrest Tochukwu Akolisa, he attempted to flee upon sighting the police operatives who were accompanied by Ikemefuna and Chinedu.
“In the course of this operation, Tochukwu Akolisa was shot in the leg and taken into custody. However, in the ensuing confusion, the two suspects managed to escape in a vehicle.
“Despite an immediate pursuit by police operatives, they abandoned the vehicle and fled into a nearby bush. Unfortunately, all efforts to re-arrest them have so far been unsuccessful.”
Orutugu affirmed that his priority was to ensure the re-arrest of the suspects and to implement stringent measures to prevent such security breaches in the future.
“I have duly briefed the Force Headquarters on the current situation and the steps taken, including activating operational strategies to apprehend the suspects at large and initiating disciplinary actions against officers whose lapses contributed to their escape,” he added.
Meanwhile, CP Orutugu has reiterated his commitment to a safe and secure Anambra State.
“On behalf of the Anambra State Police Command and in collaboration with other security agencies, I wish to assure the public that we remain dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of all residents.
“Our goal is to disrupt criminal activities and ensure that Anambra State remains a safe and secure environment for all,” he said.
