Police Nab 26-Year-Old Suspect Over Murder Of Anambra Lawmaker, Justice Azuka

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Ugochukwu Uzor, in connection with the abduction and killing of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka.

Azuka was kidnapped on Christmas Eve in 2024 while spending the holidays in Onitsha. His body was later discovered in February 2025 near the Second Niger Bridge, despite reports that a ransom had been paid for his release.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect allegedly confessed to playing a direct role in the lawmaker’s abduction and murder. Police described Uzor as a hardened criminal with a long record of violent activities.

According to the statement, the suspect bears multiple tattoos with inscriptions reading “No Forgiveness” and “No Mercy,” which the command described as a reflection of his criminal disposition. He also allegedly admitted to leading several criminal gangs operating within Anambra State and neighbouring regions.

Police said Uzor was arrested on December 8, 2025, during a major operation carried out by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Ogbaru Local Government Area. He was apprehended at Iyiowa Odekpe following a fierce gun battle with officers.

During the operation, security operatives recovered one locally made Beretta pistol and eleven rounds of live ammunition from the suspect.

The police described the arrest as a major breakthrough in the fight against violent crime in the state, noting that the development would aid ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks across Anambra.