The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the immediate re-arrest of two suspected armed robbers following what he described as an administrative lapse during prosecution.
The suspects, Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba, were earlier arrested for alleged involvement in a robbery case but were released due to procedural errors.
A fresh statement issued on Wednesday by the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that new testimony from victims directly implicated the duo in the crime.
He said the police command has filed new charges against them at the Anambra High Court.
“The Commissioner of Police has directed the immediate re-arrest of Onyebuchi Nwobodo and Ebube Umezumba following the discovery of an administrative lapse by a police prosecutor,” Ikenga stated. “This decisive action underscores the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, and justice.”
Orutugu also ordered disciplinary measures against officers found responsible for the error, stressing that negligence would not be tolerated under his leadership.
The development comes months after the command successfully re-arrested another high-profile suspect, Ikemefuna Ossai, allegedly involved in the kidnapping and murder of lawmaker Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha 1 Constituency in the state House of Assembly.
Ossai, who had earlier escaped from custody in February, was tracked across several states and a neighbouring country before being captured on May 7, 2025, in Asaba, Delta State.
