Calls on Inspector General of Police to Take Over Investigation

Onitsha, Anambra State: The Onitsha indigenous community is outraged over the tragic murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, Hon. Justice Azuka, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly, and is demanding transparency, accountability, and swift justice. The community has raised several critical questions about the investigation and the actions of the authorities, including the timeline of Hon. Azuka’s death, the routine freezing of bank accounts of kidnap victims, and the circumstances surrounding the escape of the suspects.

In light of the unsatisfactory handling of this high-profile case, the Onitsha community is calling on the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation from the State Command. The Onitsha indigenous community made these demands at an open town hall meeting held today to address the recent developments surrounding the tragic murder of Hon. Justice Azuka. The meeting, presided over by His Majesty, Nnaemeka A. Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha, was attended by several hundred indigenes and followed electronically by many in the diaspora.

They observed that the recent attack on Honourable Nweze Tony Nwora, Mayor and Chairman of Onitsha North Local Government, on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, further emphasizes the escalating insecurity in Onitsha metropolis. The They are also urging the Government of Anambra State to restore confidence in its security strategy and ensure that justice is served speedily. Additionally, the community is reviewing its security system for greater effectiveness in collaboration with the security agencies and the State Government.

Hon. Azuka was kidnapped on 24 December 2024, and despite assurances from law enforcement agencies and the State Government, his decaying body was found on 06 February 2025. The community expressed deep disappointment over the handling of the case, particularly the conflicting statements from the State Government and the Police regarding the withdrawal of N100 million from Hon. Azuka’s bank account and the escape of two suspects from police custody.

Chief Osita Anionwu, Ike Akatakwuani of Onitsha, Chief of Staff, Ime Obi Onitsha, emphasized the community’s commitment to seeking justice and improving security for all citizens.

For further information, please contact:

Chief Osita Anionwu

Ike Akatakwuani of Onitsha

Chief of Staff, Ime Obi Onicha

+234 803 600 3628

Attachment: Open Letter to The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo from The Onitsha Community.