Police in Anambra State have confirmed the escape of two suspects allegedly involved in the kidnap and eventual murder of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

The remains of the late Azuka were interred over the weekend in his hometown, Onitsha.

However, disturbing news of the escape of two of his suspected killers had been circulating, albeit unconfirmed.

In a press statement, the spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident, stating that the command was working to rearrest the fugitives and that operatives involved in the case would face sanctions.

His statement read: “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, upon receiving the report today, 18th February 2025, regarding the escape of the two suspects involved in the murder of the late Hon. Justice Azuka, Member Representing Onitsha 1 Constituency in the State House of Assembly, has deployed human, operational, and intelligence assets of the command to ensure their re-arrest.

He has also ordered immediate disciplinary action against any officers found culpable in the matter.

“Preliminary findings reveal that, following the confession of the criminal gang, two of the suspects were assisting police investigators in an operation to apprehend the receiver and recover the operational vehicles used by the gang in their deadly activities.

During the operation, the receiver was arrested, and two vehicles suspected to have been snatched from unsuspecting members of the public were recovered. However, the other two suspects managed to escape.

“The Commissioner of Police has assured the public that the command remains resolute in its fight against criminal elements in the state.

Efforts are in top gear to ensure that the suspects are re-arrested and brought to justice. Any officers found to have been negligent will also face disciplinary action.”

A popular church in Anambra State ( Children of the Light Anointing Ministry), has been sealed by the Anambra State’s Government, for alleged involvement in money  ritual practices.

The Special Adviser to Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo, said the action was taken in response to public complaints and a video where the pastor allegedly admitted to practising “Oke Ite” and other rituals.

Emeakayi noted that the state government will conduct forensic tests on liquid substances found at the church.

He added: “While the state government does not oppose any religious practice, it will not tolerate those that promote a ‘get-rich-quick’ mentality.

Additionally, forensic experts will analyse samples from River Bethsaida, where the spiritualist, also known as ‘Aka na Asa Uchu’, is said to conduct baths for individuals.

“The investigation aims to determine any potential health hazards associated with the practice. The Anambra State government remains committed to curbing fraudulent religious and ritualistic practices in the state.”

The church located in Amafor village, Nkpor in Idemili North Local Government Area of the State, is run by Pastor Onyebuchi Okocha, well known as ‘Onye Eze Jesus’

It was sealed by operatives of the Anambra State security outfit, ‘Agunechemba’, during their visit to the premises on Sunday.

It was gathered that the church was sealed on Sunday, February 16, 2025, over alleged involvement in “Oke-Ite” traditional practice. “Oke-Ite” is a concoction made from human parts, animals, and herbs mixed in a mud pot and used for money rituals.

The Anambra State Government was said to have identified the practice as a fraudulent scheme used by native doctors to deceive unsuspecting victims. The government disclosed that It noted that some substances, including containers and other items, were found at the premises.

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▪︎ Ransom Money/ NPF image

Kebbi: The operatives of the Nigeria Police Force recovered the cash sum of three million Naira (N3,000,000) already paid to the kidnappers as ransom, in Kebbi State.

The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, commended the brave efforts of the operatives involved and emphasized the need for continued vigilance in the fight against crime.

.”ACP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force PRO, Force Headquarters Abuja, disclosed that this happened on 14th February, 2025, when unknown armed men invaded Gobiraje Village in Suru LGA of Kebbi State and kidnapped one Umaru Bawa ‘m’ aged 60 yrs.

In the statement with the Ref No. CZ.5300/FPRD/FHQ/ABJ/VOL.6/368  dated February 16, 2025, ACP Adejobi, explained that Police Operatives attached to the Kebbi State Command, upon the receipt of the report, trailed the suspects to Tundafari Forest in the Dakingari axis of the State and engaged them in a fierce gun duel.

He said: ” Consequently, 4 of the kidnappers were neutralized and 1 arrested with fatal injuries while the kidnapped victim was rescued unhurt.

He also said that on February 8, 2025, operatives of the Nigeria Police Force attached to the Imo State Command, in collaboration with other security agencies carried out a tactical operation targeting an IPOB/ESN terrorist camp located in Ezioha Mbaitolu within the Umuele Umuaka Njaba LGA of the State.

The operation led to the neutralization of 2 ESN Kingpins, the recovery of 7 AK-47 rifles, 13 pump-action guns, hundreds of assorted live ammunition, and the successful dislodgement of the camp.

As a follow up, on February 9 2025, the operatives moved to the Nkwukwo Forest in Mbaitoli LGA, at the boundary with Ubachima Forest in Awomama Oru West LGA, Imo State, where the team intercepted a group of terrorists who opened fire when they saw the police.

During the ensued exchange, 3 terrorist kingpins were further neutralized, 2 AK47 rifles each loaded with 36 rounds of live ammunition, 1 pump-action gun, 1 cutlass, 4 motorcycles, and various criminal charms were as well recovered.

These operations not only reflect the commitment of the Force to maintaining law and order but also show the determination to dismantle criminal networks that threaten the safety of citizens.