The Onitsha indigenous community has expressed outrage over the brutal murder of Hon. Justice Azuka, the lawmaker representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly. The community is demanding a transparent and thorough investigation, calling on the Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the case from the Anambra State Police Command.

At a town hall meeting held in Onitsha and presided over by His Majesty, Nnaemeka A. Achebe, CFR, mni, the Obi of Onitsha, hundreds of concerned indigenes gathered to discuss the circumstances surrounding Hon. Azuka’s death. Many more members of the community, including those in the diaspora, followed the meeting virtually. The community raised concerns over inconsistencies in the investigation, particularly regarding the timeline of the lawmaker’s abduction and death, the freezing of bank accounts belonging to kidnap victims, and the escape of key suspects from police custody.

Hon. Azuka was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, and despite assurances from law enforcement agencies and the Anambra State Government, his decomposed body was discovered on February 6, 2025. The Onitsha community has expressed deep disappointment over the handling of the case, especially the conflicting statements from authorities regarding a reported N100 million withdrawal from the lawmaker’s bank account and the escape of two suspects.

In addition to urging the Inspector General of Police to take charge of the investigation, the community is calling on the Anambra State Government to restore confidence in its security strategy and ensure that justice is swiftly served. The community is also reviewing its internal security measures in collaboration with security agencies and the state government to prevent future occurrences.

Speaking at the gathering, Chief Osita Anionwu, Ike Akatakwuani of Onitsha and Chief of Staff of Ime Obi Onitsha, reaffirmed the community’s determination to seek justice and improve security for all citizens. He emphasized that the people of Onitsha will not relent until those responsible for the murder of Hon. Azuka are held accountable.

An open letter addressing these concerns has been sent to the Inspector General of Police and the Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, urging immediate action to bring the perpetrators to justice.