Anambra Police Command says it has launched fresh investigations into the death of Okechukwu Akaneme, a prominent official of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce.
Akaneme died on July 10, 2025, at Memfys Neurosurgery Hospital, Enugu, after sustaining a severe spinal cord injury in an alleged assault by officials of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) on October 11, 2024.
Akaneme, who served as Chairman of the Onitsha Federated Chapel of NUJ, was reportedly attacked by ASWAMA officials, led by one Joseph Okoye, during an altercation over waste management levy payments.
The ASWAMA officials, accompanied by police officers, allegedly injured Akaneme while attempting to arrest him.
They reportedly fled the scene upon realizing the extent of his injuries.
Akaneme had been hospitalized since the attack, which resulted in grievous damage to his spinal cord.
Following Akaneme’s death, there have been renewed calls for the arrest of those responsible for the attack.
In response, the State Police Command, through its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, issued a statement on Saturday confirming the reopening of the case.
SP Ikenga stated that an initial internal inquiry in October 2024 suggested that the actions of some individuals involved in the enforcement operation “fell outside the standard operating procedures of law enforcement personnel.”
With Akaneme’s passing, the Command has now directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Awka to conduct a comprehensive and fresh investigation.
This investigation will cover both the events of October 11, 2024, and any subsequent actions or inactions by those involved.
The Command expressed its deepest condolences to Akaneme’s family, friends, and colleagues, acknowledging his significant contributions to the state’s socio-economic development.
SP Ikenga emphasized 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 engaging with relevant state agencies to ensure full cooperation in the investigation.
Police Commissioner Ikioye Orutugu reiterated the Command’s dedication to upholding justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights, vowing to leave no stone unturned in this renewed inquiry.
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