By Karen James
The escape of two suspects connected to the kidnap and brutal murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 State Constituency, has led to the first major casualty in the security apparatus of Anambra State.
A source told Pechilly Investigative that CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, the Commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) Awkuzu, whose men were responsible for leading the suspects before their escape, has been removed from his position. The decision follows a wave of public outrage, with many Anambra residents suspecting foul play and alleging that the suspects were aided in their escape due to financial inducement.
Governor’s Intervention Triggers Action
According to sources, the new Anambra State Commissioner of Police (CP) Ikioye Orutugu was forced to act swiftly after Governor Chukwuma Soludo personally called him, expressing his displeasure over the handling of the case.
“After that first baptism of fire which the governor gave the CP, he was forced to remove Iburu,” a source familiar with the situation revealed.
As of the time of this report, the Anambra State Police Command has yet to officially confirm Iburu’s removal. However, CP Orutugu had previously addressed journalists, insisting that there was no internal collusion in the suspects’ escape.
Security Review and Reforms Underway
In response to the crisis, CP Orutugu on Friday led Governor Soludo on a facility assessment tour of the RRS Formation in Awkuzu.
A statement by Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, noted that the visit was part of ongoing security reforms aimed at addressing lapses within the unit.
“During the visit, CP Orutugu briefed the governor on the operational readiness of the command, particularly in its efforts to re-arrest the fleeing suspects involved in the heinous murder of Hon. Azuka,” the statement read.
Ikenga further emphasized that the police commissioner had begun a reorganization of the RRS unit, including a systematic review of suspects in custody to ensure transparency and accountability.
Public Reactions and the Search for Justice
The escape of the suspects has continued to spark public outcry, with many citizens demanding a thorough investigation and immediate re-arrest of the fugitives. The case has also intensified scrutiny on law enforcement agencies, as calls for reforms in police operations grow louder.
The Anambra State Police Command has assured the public that efforts are ongoing to track down the escapees and bring them to justice. Meanwhile, Governor Soludo has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to upholding law and order, vowing that no stone will be left unturned in ensuring that those responsible for Hon. Justice Azuka’s murder faced the full weight of the law.
