Tensions have escalated in Anambra State following the abduction of Hon. Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing Onitsha North State Constituency, by gunmen.
The incident occurred around 9:45 pm on Tuesday along Igwunakpamkpa Road as the lawmaker was returning home.
Confirming the development, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, stated that operational plans have been activated to rescue the lawmaker and apprehend the perpetrators.
Ikenga disclosed, “The Anambra Police Command has activated operational plans for the potential rescue and arrest of the kidnappers of Mr. Justice Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North Constituency.
Preliminary reports indicate that he was abducted on 24/12/2024 at 9:20 pm along Ugwunapampa Road by unidentified individuals. The Command is already working on some clues to aid in his rescue.”
In a related development, the Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of Chukwuma Obi, a 32-year-old man from Umuagu Village, Igboukwu, Aguata Local Government Area, over an alleged attempt to kidnap and extort money.
According to a statement by Ikenga, the arrest was made on Tuesday by operatives of the Anti-Cultism Squad in Enugu-Ukwu. Obi is accused of demanding ₦1,200,000 as ransom through threats of abduction, claiming to be a member of the proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
Ikenga explained, “The victim reported receiving a threatening message from Obi, demanding the ransom to be paid into a specified account. During interrogation, Obi confessed to the crime and is currently assisting the police in identifying other gang members involved in similar criminal activities.”
The police also referenced a similar incident last month, where a couple was arrested for sending threatening messages and extorting victims under the guise of planned abductions. Investigations are ongoing in both cases.
