Anambra Police reopen case of Onitsha Chamber of Commerce brutalized by tenure agents

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Late Mr. Ikechukwu Akaneme

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By Madu Obi

The Anambra State Police command has reopened the case of cause of the death of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce.

Akaneme sustained life-threatening injuries following an enforcement operation allegedly carried out by a contractor with the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), accompanied by armed police officers, on 11th October 2024.

In the course of enforcing waste management revenue drive,. Akaneme suffered spinal cord injury, which ultimately led to his death on 10th July 2025.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mr. Akaneme and recognizes his significant contributions to the state’s socio-economic development.

He acknowledged that an internal inquiry was previously initiated surrounding the circumstances of the injury sustained by Mr. Akaneme in October 2024, adding that preliminary findings at the time suggested that the actions of some individuals involved in the said enforcement operation fell outside the standard operating procedures of law enforcement personnel.

According to Ikenga, with the unfortunate passing of Mr. Akaneme, the command considers the matter reopened and had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, to immediately review the case file and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events of October 11, 2024, and any subsequent actions or inactions by individuals or agencies involved.

His statement read: "The command wishes to reaffirm that no officer of the Nigeria Police Force is above the law, and any personnel found to have acted unprofessionally or unlawfully in the discharge of their duties will face appropriate disciplinary and legal measures.

The command is also in touch with relevant state agencies to ensure full cooperation in unraveling the truth behind this matter."

He said the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu has assured that the command remains committed to upholding justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights, "and will leave no stone unturned in this renewed investigation."