Kidnapped Anambra Lawmaker Found Dead, Culprits Arrested

The decomposing body of Hon. Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been found by a combined security team at the 2nd Niger Bridge.

Azuka was reportedly abducted by gunmen on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, while traveling home on Ugwunaobankpa Road in Inland Town, Onitsha.

Azuka, a member of the Labour Party (LP), had recently regained his mandate after a court ruling removed the previous winner, Hon. Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Just days after the court decision, Azuka was kidnapped in a quick operation that lasted less than five minutes on Ugwunaobankpa Road.

A security source confirmed the discovery of Azuka’s body, stating that the suspects were arrested on Wednesday night. The arrested culprits led the authorities to where they had dumped the lawmaker’s body.

The source said, “We have arrested the culprits that kidnapped and killed him. They were arrested very late last (Wednesday) night, and they now went and showed the security men where they dumped the corpse.” The source expressed sadness over the tragic event, adding, “It is sad and tragic. What a huge loss. May his gentle soul rest in perfect peace. Amen. Our condolences and heart-felt sympathy to his family, traditional ruler of Onitsha, Obi of Onitsha, Dr Alfred Achebe, and the entire people of Onitsha North Constituency 1.”

The source also mentioned that just two nights before the lawmaker’s discovery, kidnappers had been active along Awka Road in Onitsha, firing several gunshots during an attempted abduction.