Anambra Police Reopen Investigation On The Death of Former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce

ANAMBRA POLICE COMMAND RESPONDS TO REPORT ON THE DEATH OF MR. OKECHUKWU AKANEME, PROMISES FULL INVESTIGATION

The Anambra State Police Command is taking the allegations surrounding the death of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme very seriously. The Spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga said in a statement release to Journalists in Akwa the state capital.

According to him, Mr. Akaneme, a respected figure in the Onitsha business community and former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, allegedly sustained life-threatening spinal injuries during an enforcement operation by the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) and armed police officers on October 11, 2024. He passed away on July 10, 2025, due to complications from those injuries.

Speaking further, the police command had previously initiated an internal inquiry, which suggested that some individuals involved in the operation acted outside standard operating procedures. Now, with Mr. Akaneme’s passing, the command has reopened the case and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a comprehensive investigation, SP Ikenga has said in the reports.

However, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, assures the public that the command is committed to upholding justice, accountability, and human rights. Any personnel found to have acted unprofessionally or unlawfully will face disciplinary and legal measures. The command is working with relevant state agencies to uncover the truth behind this matter. The Command Spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga has said in the report available to Aiyekooto Reporters.