BY TONY OKAFOR
The investigation into the gruesome murder of Anambra State lawmaker, Justice Azuka, has left a dark stain on the Anambra State Police Command.
The probe, conducted under the watch of immediate past Commissioner of Police Obono Nnaghe Itam, has raised more questions than answers.
It is imperative that the Inspector General of Police intervenes and compels Obono Nnaghe Itam to provide clarity on the botched investigation.
This case is not one where matters can be dismissed on the grounds that public administration is a continuum, and therefore the succeeding administration should simply continue from where the previous stopped.
Matters such as this are in personam – meaning they are personal and specific to the individuals involved – and demand a thorough investigation, regardless of administrative transitions.
The arrest of nine suspects in connection with Justice Azuka’s murder was a promising start, but the alleged escape of two suspects is a damning indictment of the police’s handling of the case.
The fact that these suspects were allowed to drive themselves to a car receiver’s place while allegedly in leg chains and disappeared defies logic.
This raises serious questions about the competence and integrity of the police officers involved.
Obono Nnaghe Itam’s leadership during this period is under scrutiny, and he must be vicariously held accountable for the lapses in the investigation.
As the chief law enforcement officer in Anambra State at the time, he bears responsibility for ensuring a thorough investigation was conducted.
The people of Anambra State demand answers, and it is the duty of the Inspector General of Police to ensure those answers are provided.
We call on the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action and summon Obono Nnaghe Itam to provide a full account of the investigation into Justice Azuka’s murder. Anything less would be a betrayal of the trust placed in the police institution.
We urge the Inspector General of Police to take immediate action to ensure that justice is served.
