…HURIDE Commends Police, Urges Arrest of Accomplice
The long arm of the law has caught up with Ikem Ossai, the fugitive responsible for the killing of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly. Ossai, who had previously escaped police custody, was re-arrested in Warri, Delta State, by a team of police operatives led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ifeanyi Iburu, a former Officer in Charge of the Anambra State Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
The suspect, notorious for multiple escapes from both mob attacks and security dragnets, was apprehended in a covert operation that has been praised by human rights and civil society groups. Among the foremost groups to laud the breakthrough is the Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE), which commended CSP Iburu for his professionalism and resilience.
In a statement signed by HURIDE’s Executive Director, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, the group revealed that Iburu personally called to share the news of Ossai’s arrest on the evening of Wednesday, May 7, 2025. “This re-arrest marks a major step forward in the fight against violent crime and impunity in Anambra and beyond,” Uzor stated.
Ikem Ossai and his accomplice, identified as Chinedu, had earlier escaped from police custody during an operation in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State. The officers had taken the suspects to the area to apprehend a receiver of stolen vehicles linked to their kidnapping and robbery operations—including the vehicle used during the abduction and subsequent killing of Hon. Azuka.
Described as a hardened criminal, Ossai had managed to escape multiple times from high-risk operations and community lynching attempts. Incidents of his escape were recorded in Inland Town, Iyiowa Odekpe, and Atani Road—all within Ogbaru Local Government Area—where his gang members were either killed or arrested.
Originally from Aboh in Delta State, Ossai had relocated with his family to Ogbe-Ukwu, Ogbaru LGA in Anambra State, from where he continued to orchestrate violent crimes, spreading fear and tragedy across communities.
While commending the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, and his team for their “zero tolerance for crime,” HURIDE urged security agencies to intensify efforts to re-arrest Chinedu, Ossai’s personal driver and accomplice, who remains at large following their joint escape in Obosi.
“The battle is not over until every last member of this criminal gang is brought to justice,” Dede Uzor said, calling for tighter security measures to prevent further lapses.
Ossai is expected to be transferred to Anambra State in the coming days where he will face charges related to murder, kidnapping, and armed robbery.