An Open Letter to The Inspector General of Police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, and The Governor of Anambra State, Professor Chukwuma Soludo from The Onitsha Community
Dated: Thursday, 27 February 2025
The Onitsha indigenous community held an open town hall meeting today, **Thursday, 27 February 2025**, to review the developments regarding the murder of our son, **Hon. Justice Azuka**, representing Onitsha North Constituency 1 at the Anambra State House of Assembly. The meeting was attended by several hundred indigenes, representing the entire cross-section of the community. Many members of the diaspora also followed the discussions electronically.
The meeting was presided over by His Majesty, **Nnaemeka A. Achebe, CFR, mni, Obi of Onitsha,** with the entire **Obi-in-Council** in attendance. This was a follow-up to our earlier town hall meeting on **10 February 2025** on the same subject, where several pressing questions regarding the murder were raised.
It was recalled that Hon. Azuka was kidnapped on **24 December 2024** in Onitsha. On **26 December 2024**, he was gruesomely murdered after the perpetrators reportedly emptied his bank account. Despite assurances from the law enforcement agencies and swift responses since the incident, serious concerns remain about the investigation and justice process.
### **Concerns Raised by the Community**
– **Accountability and Trust in Security Services:**
The Police had over **44 days** to ensure Hon. Azuka’s safety but failed to protect him. Why did he have to die before the so-called “swift and decisive actions” of the police officers that earned commendations from the state government and the Commissioner of Police?
– **Efficacy of the Anambra State Security Strategy:**
This grave incident has left questions agitating the minds of **Ndi Onicha** (the people of Onitsha) and Nigerians at large about the security system’s functionality. If such a high-profile figure can be killed so brutally, what hope do ordinary citizens have?
– **Justice System Transparency:**
Will the authorities establish the truth without fear or favor? While re-arresting the escaped criminals is important, trust cannot be regained unless all conspirators in this crime are held accountable. The Onitsha community demands justice with complete transparency and accountability.
### **Key Developments**
– It is commendable that six suspects, along with a nurse who facilitated the withdrawal of funds and a native doctor who provided charms for the kidnappers, have been arrested. The Police Commissioner, **Nneghe Obono Itam,** lauded the officers involved and reiterated the resolve to rid the state of criminals.
– However, several more questions remain unanswered regarding the case. As such, the Onitsha community appeals to the authorities for proactive measures to ensure justice.
### **Resolutions from the Onitsha Community**
To address the growing insecurity in Anambra State and compel action regarding this case, the following resolutions were reached during the meeting:
1. **Call on the Inspector General of Police:**
We respectfully urge **Dr. Kayode Egbetokun** to take over the case from the Anambra State Police Command to ensure impartiality and effective resolution.
2. **Appeal to the State Government:**
We call on the **Anambra State Government** to restore citizens’ confidence in its revamped security strategy by fulfilling its commitment to ensuring that justice is swift and unequivocal.
3. **Call to the State House of Assembly:**
We urge the **State House of Assembly** to ensure that justice is served in this case and to always prioritize the safety and welfare of the people.
4. **Review of Local Security Systems:**
The Onitsha community will review our security system under the framework of existing security agencies and the State Government to enhance its effectiveness moving forward.
We firmly believe that real justice can only be achieved by unraveling all the details of this heinous act and ensuring that all perpetrators, regardless of their role, are brought to book.
We await the government and police’s actions on this matter.
—
### **Signed:**
**Chief Osita Anionwu**
**Ike Akatakwuani of Onitsha**
Chief of Staff, **Ime Obi Onicha**
Phone: +234 803 600 3628
