The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has condemned the escape of two suspects linked to the murder of Anambra State lawmaker, Mr. Justice Azuka, from police custody. The rights group described the incident as a reflection of the entrenched corruption, indiscipline, and impunity within the Nigeria Police Force (NPF).
In a statement issued by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, HURIWA blamed the inefficiency of the Police Service Commission (PSC) in addressing rogue police officers for fostering a culture where operatives allegedly engage in “trade by barter” with criminals, including those accused of serious crimes like murder.
“It is no surprise to discerning Nigerians that two suspected killers of the Anambra State legislator were allowed to escape by the police,” HURIWA said. “The claim that an investigation has been ordered by the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) is a smokescreen and laughable. This is a systemic problem that requires comprehensive structural reform to weed out the bad eggs in the police force.”
The association accused corrupt police officers of routinely substituting genuine suspects with innocent individuals, especially those who cannot afford to pay for their release. It alleged that many innocent youths are languishing in prison as awaiting trial inmates due to arbitrary arrests and police misconduct.
HURIWA further asserted that the connivance between police officers and accused persons to evade justice is a long-standing practice within the Nigerian policing system. The group called for the immediate arrest and detention of all officers in the division where the escape occurred, pending a thorough investigation and prosecution if found culpable.
“The police officers responsible for this despicable act must be held accountable,” HURIWA demanded. “The escape of these murder suspects undermines the criminal justice system, damages public trust, and tarnishes the corporate image of the Nigeria Police Force.”
The rights group criticized successive governments for failing to implement meaningful reforms within the NPF, allowing a culture of corruption and impunity to flourish. It argued that the current constitutional amendment process offers a critical opportunity to undertake transformative reforms to rid the police of these entrenched malpractices.
“For decades, the Nigeria Police Force has been a cesspool of corruption. The failure of successive governments to institute structural reforms has fostered a culture where officers act with impunity, knowing they are protected by higher authorities,” the statement added.
HURIWA emphasized that the escape of the Anambra lawmaker’s killers highlights the urgent need for a thorough overhaul of the police system to restore professionalism and accountability.
The group also urged the Attorney General of the Federation to ensure that those responsible for the escape face legal consequences, reinforcing the need for a policing system rooted in transparency and respect for the rule of law.
Spokesman of the Anambra State Police Command, Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the escape, stating that the suspects fled during an operation to apprehend a receiver of stolen vehicles. According to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the deployment of “human, operational, and intelligence assets” to recapture the fugitives and initiated disciplinary action against officers involved.
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HURIWA, however, described these measures as reactive and insufficient, insisting that without genuine reform, similar incidents will continue to occur. The association called on Nigerians to demand greater accountability from the police and support ongoing advocacy for comprehensive reforms to end impunity.
