ONICCIMA Demands Justice Over Tragic Death Of Former President Akaneme
The Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA) has called for justice following the tragic death of its 9th President, Mr Okechukwu Theophilus Akaneme, who passed away after a harrowing nine-month battle with injuries allegedly inflicted by agents of the Anambra State Government.
Mr Akaneme reportedly sustained life-altering spinal injuries on 11th October 2024, when operatives of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA), accompanied by police officers, allegedly stormed his living room under the guise of revenue enforcement.
The brutal encounter, ONICCIMA says, left him paralysed from the shoulders down and eventually led to his death in July 2025.
While acknowledging that the state government offered financial support during his hospitalisation, ONICCIMA insists this is not enough. “We strongly urge the Anambra State Government to further pay reasonable and adequate compensation to the Akaneme family, who are reportedly indebted to the tune of over N40 million,” the statement read.
The Chamber also expressed disappointment that, despite petitions and police reports filed by the family, the key individuals named in the attack including an ASWAMA contractor, Mr Joseph Okoye, and two police officers allegedly attached to the Onitsha Area Command have not been charged to court, nine months after the incident.
“This is a clear case of homicide,” ONICCIMA stated, adding that the police must “eschew bureaucracy and complicity” to ensure justice is served.
The body demanded immediate arrest and prosecution of all those involved in what it termed “a lawless and inhumane act.”
ONICCIMA further used the opportunity to urge a complete review of Anambra State’s revenue collection methods, which it said had taken on a “Killer Squad” reputation.
Agencies such as ASWAMA, Ocha Brigade, and traffic enforcement teams, the statement noted, have long operated with impunity and must be urgently reined in.
“This unfortunate incident should prompt a total rethink of enforcement strategies and reinforce the need for professional conduct, especially among police officers who should be the custodians of law and order,” the Chamber added.
ONICCIMA concluded with a solemn appeal: “Once more, we demand justice for Okechukwu Akaneme.”
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