The commander of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) in Awkuzu, CSP Ifeanyi Iburu, has been removed following the escape of two suspects linked to the kidnap and murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 State Constituency.
Sources revealed to repoeters that Iburu’s dismissal came after intense backlash from Anambra residents, who alleged foul play and claimed the suspects were aided in their escape. The situation escalated when Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, reportedly expressed strong dissatisfaction with the handling of the case during a call to the new Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu.
“After that first baptism of fire which the governor gave the Commissioner of Police, he was forced to remove Iburu,” the source stated.
In response to public outrage, CP Orutugu assured journalists that there was no underhand dealing in the escape and has since intensified efforts to re-arrest the fleeing suspects.
On Friday, Governor Soludo joined CP Orutugu for an on-site assessment of the RRS facility in Awkuzu. The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a press release, highlighted the commissioner’s commitment to restoring public trust.
“The visit is geared towards reforming the facility, and as part of these reforms, the Commissioner of Police has commenced the reorganisation of the RRS unit, including the systematic interviewing of suspects in custody,” the statement read.
Ikenga further explained that the reorganisation aims to enhance accountability, transparency, and the effectiveness of the RRS in crime prevention and law enforcement.
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