Aswama Agents Assaulted Former Oniccima Boss, Okey Akaneme to death,
As FENRAD petitions Anambra Governor
The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD) a leading human rights and good governance advocacy organization has petitioned the Governor of Anambra State, Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, following the death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, former Oniccima President, Anambra State.
Reportedly, the former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA), Hon. Okey Akaneme, died from injuries he sustained during a violent encounter with agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA).
According to reports, the incident occurred at Akaneme’s residence during a routine levy collection exercise.
An eye witness account has it that ASWAMA agents, accompanied by armed police officers, allegedly stormed the home of the deceased in Onitsha without prior notice and a confrontation ensued, during which Akaneme was reportedly assaulted in front of his family and the attack left him paralyzed with a broken spine.
Following months of battling complications from his injuries, Akaneme gave up the ghost, sparking widespread anger and condemnation across Anambra State and beyond.
Lamenting his death, a longtime associate of his said: “It’s a tragic irony. Okey was a man who dedicated his life to improving this city. He believed in governance and dialogue but, was ultimately failed by the very system he trusted.”
His death has subsequently reignited public outcry over the conduct of state revenue enforcement agencies, which many accuse of “indiscriminate brutality, extortion, and abuse of power.”
Akaneme was widely respected for his integrity and commitment to ethical business practices. During his tenure at ONICCIMA, he worked to build bridges between the public and private ’ectors, advocating for fairness and responsible governance.
“He believed the government should protect its people, not harm them,” said a former colleague. “Now he’s gone and the silence from authorities is both painful and telling.”
Social media has erupted with calls for justice using hashtags like #JusticeForOkey, #OnitshaSpeaks, and #EndBrutality, as citizens demand accountability and reform.
A relative of his, Ifeanyi, said that Akaneme remained devastated, seeking answers and justice before his demise.
“He left the house healthy that morning,” a relative recounted. “He never walked again. Now he’s gone. Who will answer for this?”
The incident has renewed demands for a complete overhaul of revenue enforcement structures across Anambra State, amid broader concerns over human rights and governance.
Reacting to the heart-wrenching incident, fFENRAD, in her petition, condemned vehemently, the unwarranted attack and the subsequent avoidable death of Akaneme the perceived evil hands of the government ASWAMA who ate on the ambit of the law.
The petition read in detail…
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
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: info@fenrad.org.ng info.fenradnigeria@gmail.com
www. FENRAD.org.ng.
+234 8033383708
