Ikem Ossai, the suspect who escaped custody after being arrested in connection with the murder of Anambra State House of Assembly member Hon. Justice Azuka, has been re-arrested.
He was apprehended in Warri, Delta State, by a police team led by Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Ifeanyi Iburu, a former Officer in Charge of the Anambra Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
In response to the development, the Human Rights, Liberty Access, and Peace Defenders’ Foundation (HURIDE) praised the police for their professionalism.
In a statement signed by its Executive Director, Dede Uzor A. Uzor, the group expressed satisfaction at the news of Ikem’s arrest.
“We are elated when we got the news on Wednesday 7, May 2025 at about 8:33 p.m.,” the statement read.
Ikem and his associate, Chinedu, had reportedly escaped from police custody in Obosi, Idemili North Local Government Area, when officers took them to the scene to arrest a suspected receiver of stolen vehicles used during their kidnap operations, including the one that led to the death of Hon. Azuka.
A known fugitive, Ikem is alleged to have fled from multiple police encounters linked to kidnapping and violent crimes.
He had earlier escaped during a covert operation in Inland Town, where three of his gang members were captured by the special Anti-Robbery Squad.
He also narrowly escaped lynching at Iyiowa, Odekpe in Ogbaru LGA, when an angry mob set two of his accomplices ablaze.
Years ago, Ikem managed to flee another deadly operation on Atani Road near the former Power Mike Sports Centre, where several of his colleagues were killed by a mob.
Despite these escapes, Ikem reportedly continued his violent activities, leaving a trail of terror, maiming, and deaths in his wake.
Originally from Aboh in Delta State, he had relocated with his family to Ogbe-Ukwu in Ogbaru LGA of Anambra State, where he remained a menace to residents.
While applauding the police and CSP Iburu, HURIDE called for renewed efforts to track down Chinedu, Ikem’s driver and partner in crime, who also escaped during the police operation in Obosi.
