Police to probe brutalization of NUJ official by Anambra govt officials after his death

By Ayorinde Oluokun/Abuja

The Police have announced that they will reopen investigations into the death of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, an official of Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) who sustained spinal cord injury after from attack by officials of Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA)

Akaneme, who was Chairman of Onitsha Federated Chapel of NUJ reportedly died following injuries he sustained from brutal attack by officials of ASWAMA led by one Joseph Okoye on October 11, 2024 over payment of waste management levy.

He was also former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce.

The ASWAMA officials who were accompanied by policemen had allegedly injured Akaneme in the process of trying to arrest him.

However, they had reportedly ran away when they noticed that he had been injured.

Akaneme who has been hospitalized since the attack that led to a grievous damage to his spinal cord died at Memfys Neurosurgery Hospital, Enugu on July 10, 2025.

His death has led to fresh calls for the arrest of officials of ASWAMA who masterminded the attack on him.

Anambra Police Command, in a statement issued on Saturday by its Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said it will open a fresh investigation into the incident.

The Command added that preliminary findings from the initial inquiry it conducted into the incident at the time suggested that the actions of some individuals involved in the said enforcement operation fell outside the standard operating procedures of law enforcement personnel.

Ikenga said the Command has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a comprehensive and fresh investigation into both the events of October 11, 2024, and any subsequent actions or inactions by those involved.

“The Command expresses its deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late Mr. Akaneme and recognises his significant contributions to the state’s socio-economic development,” Ikenga stated.

According to the police spokesperson, “In response to the allegations, the Command acknowledges that an internal inquiry was previously initiated surrounding the circumstances of the injury sustained by Mr. Akaneme in October 2024.

“Preliminary findings at the time suggested that the actions of some individuals involved in the said enforcement operation fell outside the standard operating procedures of law enforcement personnel.”

He said, “However, with the unfortunate passing of Mr. Akaneme, the Command considers this matter reopened and has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, to immediately review the case file and conduct a comprehensive investigation into the events of October 11, 2024, and any subsequent actions or inactions by individuals or agencies allegedly involved.”

The Command assured the public of its commitment to transparency and justice.

“The Command wishes to reaffirm 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,” SP Ikenga stated.

The police also confirmed ongoing engagement with relevant state agencies to ensure full cooperation in the investigation.
“The Command is also in touch with relevant state agencies to ensure full cooperation in unraveling the truth behind this matter,” Ikenga added.

He quoted Anambra Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, as assuring members of the public that the Command remains committed to upholding justice, accountability, and the protection of human rights, and would leave no stone unturned in the renewed investigation.