The lifeless body of Justice Azuka, the representative for Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, has been discovered by security operatives near the Second Niger Bridge. Azuka had been kidnapped on December 24, 2024, while traveling home for Christmas.

The Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed that the decomposing body was found during a routine patrol. The joint security team, which included police and vigilante operatives, was initially on a mission to locate the abducted lawmaker.

Ikenga stated, “In the early hours of today, we regrettably found his lifeless body at the scene. The joint security team has taken over the scene and is continuing operations to arrest the suspects involved.”

Justice Azuka, a member of the Labour Party, had recently reclaimed his mandate following a court ruling that nullified the election victory of Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party.

This tragic incident underscores ongoing security challenges in the region and raises concerns about the safety of public officials in Nigeria.