Decomposing body of Anambra lawmaker found near 2nd Niger Bridge

The decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, the member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency at the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been discovered in a bush near the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The corpse was recovered on Wednesday night after a joint security team arrested the culprits and was led to the location where the body had been dumped.

Hon. Justice Azuka, a chieftain of the Labour Party (LP), had regained his mandate from the Court of Appeal in 2023. He was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunabakpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha, while returning home for Christmas celebrations.

The Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Superintendent Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development, stating that the lifeless body of the lawmaker was recovered in the early hours of Thursday, February 6, 2025.

The recovery was made by a joint security team consisting of the Police and Anambra Vigilante Operatives (AVG), who were on a rescue mission.

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“The Joint Security Team, comprising the Police and AVG Operatives, embarked on a mission to rescue the abducted Hon. Azuka, Honourable State House of Assembly member representing Onitsha North. Unfortunately, his lifeless body was found at the scene. As soon as I get more details, I will provide updates, as the joint security team has taken control of the area, and operations are ongoing for the possible arrest of those involved,” he stated.

Hon. Azuka’s death marks yet another tragedy, making him the second serving lawmaker to be killed in a kidnappers’ den. In 2022, Hon. Okechukwu Okoye, the member representing Aguata 1 Constituency, where Governor Chukwuma Soludo hails from, was similarly abducted and killed.

Additionally, a former lawmaker, Hon. Nelson Achukwu, who represented Nnewi South II from 2003 to 2007, was also kidnapped and murdered by his captors in June 2022.

The tragic killing of Hon. Justice Azuka has raised fresh concerns about the growing insecurity in Anambra State, as authorities intensify efforts to track down the perpetrators.