The Onitsha indigenous community has issued a formal call for Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police to take over the investigation into the murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, a representative for Onitsha North Constituency 1 in the Anambra State House of Assembly.
At a town hall meeting presided over by His Majesty Nnaemeka A. Achebe, the Obi of Onitsha, hundreds of community members expressed outrage over what they described as “unsatisfactory handling” of the case by local authorities.
According to community leaders, Hon. Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024. Despite repeated assurances from state police and government officials that the lawmaker would be rescued safely, his decomposing body was discovered on February 6, 2025, more than six weeks after his abduction.
“The community has serious concerns about the timeline of events and the overall investigation process,” said Chief Osita Anionwu, Chief of Staff of Ime Obi Onitsha, who served as spokesperson at the event.
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Community members raised specific questions regarding the mysterious withdrawal of N100 million from Hon. Azuka’s bank account during his captivity and the subsequent escape of two suspects from police custody. They cited “conflicting statements” between the State Government and Police regarding these critical details.
In addition to requesting federal intervention, the Onitsha community has called on Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, to “restore confidence in its security strategy” and ensure swift justice in the case.
The community also announced plans to review and strengthen its local security systems, stating they intend to work in collaboration with security agencies and the state government.
The town hall meeting was attended by several hundred local residents, with many more Onitsha indigenes in the diaspora following the proceedings electronically.
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