By Kamsi Anayo, Awka
One year after the kidnap and murder of late Hon Justice Azuka who represented Onitsha North 1 Constituency, the Police have arrested an alleged serial killer and kidnapper who has confessed to have been involved in that dastardly act .
Justice Azuka was kidnapped in December last year and later murdered after ransom was paid for his release.
Two out of the seven suspects had fled police custody in a most controversial circumstance when according to the police, officers and men of the Rapid Response Squad ( RRS ) took them to identify one of the gang leaders that led the kidnap .
They were said to have been rearrested by the police weeks after while others are still at large.
In a recent covert operation by the RRS one Ugochukwu Uzor aged 26 was apprehended at Ogbaru local government area on Dec. 8 this year.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a statement, ugochukwu Uzor confessed during interrogation to be involved in the dastardly crime among others.
“The suspect, identified as Ugochukwu Uzor, a 26-year-old male, is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent offences.
“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.”
Ikenga explained that during interrogations by the RRS, the suspect made confessions of being involved in several killings and kidnappings including that of Hon Justice Azuka.
“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 Dec. 24, 2024.”
Ikenga said that the arrest is a significant breakthrough for the Anambra Police Command in the fight against violent crimes in the state .
“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” Ikenga stated.
