By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command said it had recorded another major operational breakthrough, following the arrest of a notorious armed robber linked to several violent crimes, including the killing of a serving member of the Anambra State House of Assembly.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Ikenga Tochukwu, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, carried out the successful operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area on Monday.
The suspect, identified as Ugochukwu Uzor, a 26-year-old male, was said to have been arrested at Iyowa Odekpe in Ogbaru LGA during what the police described as a major offensive operation against criminal elements in the area.
SP Ikenga disclosed that the suspect was apprehended after a fierce confrontation with the operatives, during which a locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live rounds of ammunition were recovered from him.
He further revealed that Uzor is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent activities across Anambra State and neighbouring states, adding that he also bears a large tattoo on his body with the inscriptions “No Forgiveness” and “No Mercy,” which the Command described as reflective of his hardened criminal disposition.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to being the leader of several criminal gangs operating within and outside Anambra State. He also reportedly admitted his involvement in the abduction and murder of Hon. Azuka Justice, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, who was killed on December 24, 2024, a widely condemned crime across the state and beyond.
The Command described the arrest as a significant breakthrough in its ongoing fight against violent crime and criminal syndicates, noting that the development will greatly aid further investigations and possible arrests of other gang members.
While assuring Ndi Anambra of sustained security efforts, the Police Command urged residents to remain vigilant and to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by reporting any suspicious activities or providing credible and timely information that could help in crime prevention and detection, via the Police Control Room number 07039194332 or the PPRO’s line on 08039334002.
