The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the immediate re-arrest of two criminal suspects after what he described as an “administrative lapse” in prosecution led to their release.
The suspects, Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba, were initially arrested over a case of armed robbery but were freed following the error.
Fresh testimonies from victims, however, have directly linked the duo to the crime.
Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement on Wednesday, said the command has filed new charges before the state High Court to ensure justice is served.
“The Commissioner of Police… has directed the immediate re-arrest of one Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba… following the discovery of an administrative lapse by a Police prosecutor,” the statement read in part.
Ikenga added that the CP has also ordered disciplinary action against the officers involved in the mistake, stressing that negligence would not be tolerated under his leadership.
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According to him, the action reflects the command’s “unwavering commitment to professionalism, accountability, and the rule of law.”
The case adds to a string of high-profile re-arrests in the state. Earlier in May, police operatives tracked and re-arrested Ikemefuna Ossai, a suspect linked to the kidnap and murder of the late Justice Azuka, a lawmaker representing Onitsha 1 Constituency.
Ossai had previously escaped custody but was recaptured after a cross-border manhunt.