Police Operatives Arrest Man, 26 Linked to Murder of Anambra Lawmaker, Azuka, Year After

By Praise Chinecherem

Police in Anambra State have arrested a 26-year old man, Ugochukwu Uzor allegedly involved in the killing of a member of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Justice Azuka.

Azuka was kidnapped last year on Christmas Eve and was later found dead in February at the foot of the second Niger Bridge amidst rumours of payment of ransom.

Police spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement on Wednesday said the suspect who took part in the lawmaker’s killing was arrested at Iyowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state during gun battle with police operatives.

Describing the arrest as significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime, Ikenga urged the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the continued fight against crime.

He said: In a significant development, Anambra State Police, through operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, successfully arrested a notorious and heavily injured armed robber during a major offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area (LGA) on December 8, 2025.

“The suspect, identified as Ugochukwu Uzor, a 26-year-old male, is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent offenses.

“He was apprehended in Iyowa Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA, after a fierce confrontation with the Police Operatives.

“During the operation, one locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live ammunition rounds were recovered.

“Uzor, who is known for his violent criminal activities, was found to have a large tattoo on his body with the inscriptions “No Forgiveness” + “No Mercy,” a disturbing reminder of the hardened nature of his criminal mindset.

“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the leader of several criminal gangs operating across Anambra and neighboring states.

“He also revealed his involvement in the abduction and subsequent murder of Hon. Azuka Justice, a distinguished member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, on December 24, 2024.

“The murder of Hon. Justice shocked the state and drew widespread condemnation.

“The arrest of Ugochukwu Uzor represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime and will assist in further investigations to dismantle criminal syndicates operating within the State.

“The Command, however urges the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the continued fight against crime.

“Information regarding criminal activities can be reported confidentially to the Police through the following contacts: Control room number 07039194332 or the Police Public Relations Officer 08039334002.”