Dare Babalola
The Anambra State Police Command has apprehended Ugochukwu Uzor, a 26-year-old suspected armed robber, following a major operation in Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru Local Government Area.
According to the police, the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu on Monday, after sustaining serious injuries during the operation.
In a Wednesday press statement, the Command’s Spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, announced that the arrest yielded the recovery of a locally-made Beretta pistol and 11 live ammunition rounds from the suspect.
According to SP Ikenga, the suspect confessed during interrogation to being the leader of multiple criminal gangs operating in Anambra and neighboring states.
The police image maker in the state further stated that the suspect also admitted involvement in the abduction and murder of Anambra State House of Assembly member, Azuka Justice, on December 24, 2024.
The statement read in part, “In a significant development, Anambra State Police, through operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, successfully arrested a notorious and heavily injured armed robber during a major offensive operation in Ogbaru Local Government Area on December 8, 2025.
“The suspect, identified as Ugochukwu Uzor, a 26-year-old male, is a dangerous criminal with a long history of violent offences.
“He was apprehended in Iyiowa Odekpe, Ogbaru LGA, after a fierce confrontation with the Police Operatives. During the operation, one locally made Beretta pistol and eleven live ammunition rounds were recovered.
“Uzor, who is known for his violent criminal activities, was found to have a large tattoo on his body with the inscriptions ‘No Forgiveness’ + ‘No Mercy’, a disturbing reminder of the hardened nature of his criminal mindset.
“Upon interrogation, the suspect confessed to being the leader of several criminal gangs operating across Anambra and neighbouring states.
“He also revealed his involvement in the abduction and subsequent murder of Azuka Justice, a distinguished member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, on December 24, 2024.
“The murder of Hon. Justice shocked the state and drew widespread condemnation.”
According to Ikenga, the arrest of Ugochukwu Uzor represents a significant breakthrough in the fight against violent crime and will assist in further investigations to dismantle criminal syndicates operating within the State.
“The Command, however, urges the public to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in the continued fight against crime.”
