Onitsha community demands justice for murdered lawmaker

.Calls on IGP to take over investigation

The Onitsha indigenous community is demanding justice for the murder of a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Justice Azuka.

In a statement seen by BusinessDay on Thursday and signed by the Imeobi Onitsha Traditional Council, the community said it is outraged by the tragic murder of lawmaker, who represented Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly, demanding transparency, accountability, and swift justice on the case.

“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,” the community said.

The lawmaker had been kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and was later found dead. Two of his abductors and killers escaped the police net earlier this month, drawing the ire of Nigerians.

The Onitsha community said in light of the unsatisfactory handling of this high-profile case, it is calling on Kayode Egbetokun, inspector-general of police, to take over the investigation from the Anambra 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,” the statement said.

“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.”