Police authorities in Anambra State have taken into custody a man alleged to be a notorious armed robber connected to the killing of state lawmaker Hon. Azuka Justice.
Justice, who served in the Anambra State House of Assembly, was kidnapped and later murdered on December 24, 2024, an incident that left the state in shock and drew widespread outrage.
Revealing the development in a statement on Wednesday, the spokesman for the Anambra State Police Command, Ikenga Tochukwu, said operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, captured 26-year-old Ugochukwu Uzor during a coordinated operation in Iyowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area, on December 8.
Tochukwu explained that officers confronted Uzor in a fierce encounter before overpowering him and placing him under arrest. A locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live rounds were recovered during the operation.
Police described Uzor as the head of multiple violent criminal groups active in Anambra and across nearby states. He was also said to bear distinctive tattoos with the inscriptions “No Forgiveness” and “No Mercy,” markings investigators believe reveal his hardened criminal mindset.
According to Tochukwu, the suspect admitted during questioning that he was involved in the kidnapping and eventual killing of the lawmaker. He noted that the arrest represents a major breakthrough in the Command’s continued efforts to dismantle criminal networks threatening public safety, adding that investigations are still ongoing to locate and apprehend other members of the gang.
He urged residents to remain alert and work with security agencies by reporting suspicious movements. The Command shared dedicated lines for confidential information: Control Room 07039194332 and the Police Public Relations Officer 08039334002.
What You Should Know
The arrest of Ugochukwu Uzor marks a critical step in the investigation into the murder of Hon. Azuka Justice, a serving legislator whose abduction and killing rattled Anambra State.
Police describe Uzor as the leader of several violent gangs and believe his confession strengthens the case against the networks responsible for the crime. Authorities say more arrests are expected as investigations continue, urging the public to remain proactive.
This development also highlights the increasing pressure on security agencies to curb targeted attacks on public officials and restore confidence in law enforcement across the state.
