BY TONY OKAFOR
The shocking escape of two suspects in the murder of Anambra State lawmaker, Hon Justice Azuka, from police custody is a damning indictment of the Nigeria Police Force.
This brazen incident is akin to the proverbial dog eating the bone hung around its neck for safekeeping.
It is embarrassing that suspects in such a high-profile case could escape from under the noses of the police.
This development raises more questions than answers. Was the escape a result of sheer incompetence or was it a deliberate attempt to subvert justice?
The fact that the police command has initiated disciplinary action against the officers responsible for the escape is a step in the right direction, but it is not enough. Those found culpable must be punished severely to serve as a deterrent to others.
The Nigeria Police Force has a long way to go in redeeming its image, which has been smeared by the activities of its personnel.
Incidents like this escape only serve to erode public trust in the police. It is imperative that the police take concrete steps to address the systemic issues that led to this escape.
The circumstances surrounding the escape suggest that there may be more to Azuka’s murder than initially meets the eye.
The fact that the suspects were able to escape during an operation to arrest the receiver of stolen vehicles used by the gang raises suspicions that Azuka’s murder may have been a political assassination rather than a mere kidnapping.
It is possible that those being paraded as suspects may not be the real perpetrators, but rather mere pawns in a larger game.
The Nigeria Police Force must get to the bottom of this case and ensure that justice is served. Anything less would be a travesty.
The police must also take steps to prevent such incidents in the future and work to restore public trust in the institution.
