The Anambra State Government has commenced an investigation into the alleged brutalisation of a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines, and Agriculture, Okey Akaneme, by officials of Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA) and police officers.
The state Commissioner for Environment, Felix Odumegwu, confirmed the probe when contacted by The PUNCH correspondent on Monday, adding that while the government does not condone assault, preliminary findings suggested that ASWAMA officials may not be responsible.
“The Anambra state government does not condone assault or touting of any kind and if any government agent is found culpable, he will face the consequences.
“We must unravel the unfortunate incident but first and foremost, we must know the medical condition of the victim and rescue health first if any,” Odumegwu stated.
Akaneme was reportedly attacked on October 11 at his residence on Obi Lane, America Quarters, Onitsha, after ASWAMA officials, accompanied by two policemen from Onitsha Central Police Station, allegedly stormed his home over unpaid sanitation fees.
Witnesses said Akaneme was manhandled, leaving him with severe spinal injuries.
A close associate, Okechukwu Ani, narrating the ordeal said, “The team entered Akaneme’s home early that morning, demanding his arrest. Akaneme, still in his sleepwear, asked for time to get ready, but the team allegedly forced their way in.
“As neighbours were prevailing on the ASWAMA team to leave Akaneme alone, they realised that they had inflicted on him an almost fatal injury, it was at that point that the team members forcefully dropped Akaneme’s body to the ground of his apartment, near the door, while he was unable to lift a finger or move his legs with his neck broken amidst other injuries,” he said.
Akaneme was rushed to Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, and later transferred to Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where doctors confirmed his spinal cord was 65% damaged.
He has since been moved to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, for advanced care.
The incident, widely shared on social media, has sparked outrage.
Residents and human rights groups have condemned the state government’s initial silence, demanding accountability.
Odumegwu, however, maintained that the state is prioritising Akaneme’s health.
“First and foremost, we have tried to reach the victim to ascertain his health condition and see how it can be salvaged. The victim reported the matter to the police station and investigations are going on as we speak. The ASWAMA waste manager has been trying empathically to reach the victim but to no avail,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has not spoken on the matter.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, declined to comment.
However, a senior officer confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State CID in Awka for further investigation.
