By Newspot Nigeria Staff Writer
ONITSHA— A wave of outrage is sweeping across Anambra State following the tragic death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), reportedly as a result of injuries sustained from a brutal encounter with agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) during an alleged tax enforcement operation.
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) has now issued a formal petition to Governor Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, demanding swift justice, urgent reforms, and compensation for the bereaved family.
In a strongly worded press release obtained by Newspot Nigeria, FENRAD condemned what it described as an “avoidable death” and an “alarming trend of violent revenue enforcement” by ASWAMA agents, calling for accountability at the highest levels of state government.
The late Akaneme, a well-respected leader in the Onitsha business community, reportedly suffered internal injuries during a confrontation with tax agents and later died from complications. FENRAD asserts that the agents acted with impunity and brutality under the guise of revenue collection—a practice it claims has become rampant and unchecked across Anambra.
The organization is urging the state governor to:
- Launch an independent investigation into the incident,
- Ensure criminal prosecution of the ASWAMA agents involved,
- Reform ASWAMA operations,
- Compensate the deceased’s family, and
- Issue a public condemnation of violent tax enforcement practices.
The petition further calls on the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Nigeria Police, and the National Human Rights Commission to play active roles in ensuring justice.
“No citizen should die at the hands of those meant to serve and protect public interest,” the statement read.
This tragedy has ignited broader concerns over the lack of regulation and oversight in tax and sanitation enforcement in Anambra State. Business leaders in Onitsha and beyond are mourning the loss and demanding answers.
Newspot Nigeria will continue to track this story as it unfolds, holding public institutions accountable and amplifying calls for justice.
FULL PRESS RELEASE BELOW:
PRESS RELEASE
FENRAD PETITIONS ANAMBRA STATE GOVERNOR PROF. CHARLES CHUKWUMA SOLUDO OVER THE DEATH OF HON. OKEY AKANEME, FORMER ONICCIMA PRESIDENT, FOLLOWING INJURIES FROM TAX-RELATED ASSAULT BY ASWAMA AGENTS – DEMANDS JUSTICE
Abuja, Nigeria – July 13, 2025
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a leading human rights and good governance advocacy organization, strongly condemns the tragic and avoidable death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), who reportedly died following prolonged internal injuries sustained during a brutal assault by agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) under the guise of tax enforcement.
This unfortunate incident highlights an alarming trend of violent revenue enforcement in Anambra State, often carried out by unauthorized or loosely monitored agents who operate outside the bounds of due process, human rights, and dignity.
FENRAD is deeply saddened that a respected community leader and business figure like Hon. Akaneme could be subjected to such inhumane treatment, and ultimately lose his life, simply due to the actions of agents of the state purportedly tasked with sanitation and tax collection.
We hereby petition His Excellency, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, Governor of Anambra State, to:
- Order an immediate and independent investigation into the attack that led to Hon. Akaneme’s death;
- Identify and prosecute all ASWAMA agents involved in the incident
- Reform and regulate the operations of ASWAMA and other tax enforcement units to prevent further abuse;
- Compensate the family of the late Hon. Okey Akaneme for the loss and pain inflicted by this unjust incident;
- Issue a public statement condemning violent revenue enforcement and affirming the state’s commitment to human rights and lawful civic engagement.
FENRAD also calls on the Anambra State House of Assembly, the Police Command, and the Human Rights Commission to intervene, ensuring that the perpetrators are brought to book and justice is served swiftly and transparently.
This is not just about Hon. Akaneme alone—it is about ending the systemic terror, brutality, and unlawful conduct by state-affiliated task forces in the name of tax collection. No citizen should die at the hands of those meant to serve and protect public interest.
FENRAD stands in solidarity with the Akaneme family and the Onitsha business community, and will continue to pursue accountability, justice, and reforms to end such barbaric practices in public administration.
Signed:
Comrade Nelson Nnanna Nwafor
Executive Director, FENRAD
[Contact: [email protected] | [email protected] | www.fenrad.org.ng | +234 803 338 3708]
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