By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The controversy surrounding the escape of two suspected killers of an Anambra lawmaker, Hon. Justice Azuka, has taken a new turn, with a frontline activist, Comrade Osita Obi demanding the immediate sack of the former Commissioner of Police, CP Nnaghe Itam.
Recall that the Spokesperson of the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, over the week, announced the escape of two of the suspects involved in the kidnap and murder of Hon. Azuka, a sitting member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing the Onitsha South 1 Constituency — a development that has continued to attract reactions and counter-reactions from different quarters.
Addressing journalists in Awka on Friday, Obi condemned what he described as a deliberate act of negligence, insisting that the immediate-past CP of the State, CP Itam, must be held accountable for the shocking escape since the incident happened on February 8, before he was transferred out of the state. He accused CP Itam of gross incompetence and complicity, alleging that the escape was premeditated and executed under his watch.
“This was not an accident; it appears like a well-planned deal. The police authorities must recall CP Itam to explain how the key suspects vanished under his leadership. He should not be rewarded with another role but dismissed and investigated,” Obi asserted.
He recounted his previous encounters with CP Itam, revealing that he had personally advised him to build upon the good work of his predecessor, CP Aderemi Adeoye, but was ignored. According to Obi, the former CP ignored critical security concerns and left the state vulnerable to criminal activities.
Expressing outrage over the manner in which the suspects disappeared, Obi questioned why they were not handcuffed and why police escorts allowed them to drive freely. He alleged that the operation was deliberately concealed from the new Commissioner of Police, who only discovered the escape eight days after assuming office.
“Why wasn’t he briefed? Why did they keep it secret? This was a calculated attempt to let them escape, and those responsible must face the law,” Obi added.
While acknowledging that corruption within the Anambra Police Command predates CP Itam, Obi pointed fingers at certain government officials who he claimed have aided and abetted criminality.
He recalled his own experience in 2022 when he was attacked at Alex Ekwueme Square for mobilizing tricycle operators to support and commend Soludo’s ban on touts, whom he said were diverting almost 80% of the state’s IGR for their sponsors and cartel. He alleged that those behind the attack were arrested and charged for attempted murder, but enjoyed the protection of powerful figures who later worked for the modification of the charge to mere assault, and eventually worked for their release.
Obi also dismissed the recent attempts by Fr. Ebube Muonso, to link Governor Soludo to the escape, clarifying that federal security agencies operate independently of the state government.
“The Governor does not control the police or DSS. This is purely a police matter, and Soludo has no hand in it,” he emphasized.
Nevertheless, he urged the governor to be cautious of saboteurs within his administration who might be working against his security efforts. He also called for an overhaul of the Anambra Police Command, stressing that officers who have spent decades in the state should be transferred to restore efficiency and accountability.
Obi further criticized what he described as premature praise for the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, warning that the people of Anambra expect results, not publicity stunts. He noted that the new Commissioner is showing signs of competence and commitment, and should not allow himself to be distracted.
“I learnt some are already giving him awards barely six days in office. Award for what? Let him deliver first,” he cautioned.
While re-echoing his calls, the activist insisted that the matter about the escape of the suspects cannot be swept under the carpet and that Anambra people will not rest, until those behind the escape of the suspects are brought to book. He urged the Inspector-General of Police and the Police Service Commission to act swiftly, warning that failure to do so would further erode public trust in the Force.
