Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The arrest of a 26-year-old man, Ugochukwu Uzor, by the Anambra State Police Command has become a major development in the investigation into the abduction and killing of former Anambra State House of Assembly member, Justice Azuka. The suspect, described by authorities as a notorious criminal linked to several violent operations across the region, was captured during a coordinated security raid in Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area. His arrest marks what police officials call a significant step toward fully unraveling the criminal network believed to have orchestrated the murder of the late lawmaker.
According to information released by the Command, the operation that led to Uzor’s arrest took place on Monday, 8 December 2025, when officers of the Rapid Response Squad acted on intelligence suggesting the presence of armed suspects operating within the Iyiowa axis. Upon sighting the operatives, Uzor reportedly attempted to flee while opening fire, but he was subdued and arrested after sustaining injuries during the confrontation. Security personnel recovered a locally fabricated Beretta-style pistol and eleven rounds of live ammunition from him, adding weight to the suspicion that he had long been involved in armed criminal activities.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga stated that preliminary interrogation of the suspect had already provided vital information. Uzor allegedly confessed to participating in the abduction and eventual killing of the late legislator, identifying himself as the leader of a gang responsible for several high-profile attacks across Anambra and neighbouring states. The police say this confession corresponds with intelligence gathered during previous arrests and investigations, although authorities emphasised that all statements would still undergo further scrutiny as part of the ongoing legal process.
The killing of Justice Azuka shocked communities across Anambra State after his abduction on 24 December 2024 along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Onitsha. The former lawmaker, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1 under the Labour Party, was seized while returning home ahead of the Christmas holiday. His disappearance triggered a large-scale search, but hopes dimmed when his decomposed remains were discovered on 6 February 2025 near the Second Niger Bridge. The discovery sparked public outrage and renewed conversations about rising insecurity, targeted attacks, and the growing influence of criminal syndicates in the state.
Multiple suspects were initially arrested in connection with the incident, but progress on the case was hindered by a series of complications, including a notorious episode in which some detainees escaped from custody. This raised concerns about procedural lapses and prompted calls for accountability within the security system. While the police denied wrongdoing in the escape, the episode increased pressure on the Command to strengthen its intelligence-driven operations and bring all involved to justice. The subsequent rearrest of one of the fugitives earlier this year helped revive momentum in the investigation, but many still considered the case unresolved and feared that the masterminds behind the crime remained at large.
The arrest of Uzor has therefore been received by many as the most significant breakthrough yet. Authorities say the suspect has long been on their wanted list for his alleged involvement in multiple violent crimes, ranging from armed robbery to extortion, kidnapping, and targeted killings. His capture is expected to generate new leads that may help the police identify remaining members of his network and determine the full scope of criminal activities associated with the gang.
Beyond the immediate significance of Uzor’s arrest, security analysts suggest that the development may reflect a broader shift in law enforcement strategy within Anambra. Over the past year, the state has intensified its crackdown on armed groups, especially those operating guerrilla-style cells within communities along the Onitsha-Ogbaru axis. Such areas, with their mix of urban density, waterways, and difficult terrain, have long served as operational bases for gangs able to evade detection. The December operation that led to Uzor’s arrest was reportedly the latest in a chain of offensives targeting these enclaves.
The Anambra State Police Command has appealed for calm as the investigation progresses, asking residents to continue providing useful information that may help dismantle the remaining criminal structures. SP Ikenga reiterated that credible intelligence from community members has been vital in recent successes and encouraged the public to maintain cooperation with security forces to ensure sustained progress.
Reactions from the public have been mixed—while many expressed relief at the arrest, others remain sceptical, citing the need for the justice system to follow through until all suspects are prosecuted. The family of the late lawmaker, who had repeatedly voiced frustration over delays, is expected to issue a formal reaction in the coming days. Within political circles, the arrest has renewed conversations about the vulnerability of public office holders and the growing trend of politically linked violence, prompting calls for enhanced protection measures for elected officials.
As the investigation deepens, legal experts note that the next crucial stage will involve verifying Uzor’s statements, aligning them with forensic evidence, and determining the involvement of other individuals he reportedly named during interrogation. Prosecutors are expected to review the details to prepare for formal charges, though the timeline for his court appearance has not yet been announced. Police officials say they intend to pursue the case meticulously to avoid the procedural lapses that complicated earlier stages of the investigation.
The killing of Justice Azuka remains one of Anambra State’s most unsettling political crimes in recent memory, symbolising both the rising risks faced by public officials and the broader insecurity affecting many communities. The hope among residents and observers alike is that Uzor’s arrest will serve not only as a step toward justice for the late lawmaker but also as a signal that law enforcement authorities are strengthening their capacity to confront violent criminal networks.
For now, the focus remains on tracking down the remaining suspects and building a comprehensive case strong enough to withstand judicial scrutiny. As the Command continues its operations, the state awaits further developments that may finally bring closure to a case that has lingered for nearly a year and left a deep mark on the collective consciousness of the people of Anambra.
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