Rights Group Urges Governor Soludo to Intervene in Death of Former ONICCIMA President Linked to Anambra Waste Agency Assault

The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a civil society organisation focused on human rights and governance, has written to Anambra State Governor, Professor Charles Chukwuma Soludo, demanding action over the death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA).

According to reports, Akaneme succumbed to injuries allegedly inflicted during a confrontation with operatives of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) in a dispute tied to tax enforcement.

The petition, signed by FENRAD’s Executive Director, Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, described Akaneme’s death as both “avoidable and heartbreaking,” blaming it on severe internal injuries sustained during a violent encounter with ASWAMA agents. The group stressed that the agents were said to be enforcing taxes at the time of the incident.

FENRAD decried the growing pattern of forceful revenue collection in Anambra, accusing certain state-backed agents of operating without clear oversight, often using excessive force and disregarding the rights of citizens. It stated that the ongoing use of violence in the name of tax enforcement is deeply concerning and poses a serious threat to public safety.

“It is disheartening and troubling that someone of Hon. Akaneme’s standing—a respected leader and entrepreneur—could be subjected to such brutality under a state-backed operation,” FENRAD stated. “This should not be happening in a system that claims to value life and the rule of law.”

The group called on Governor Soludo to launch an independent probe into the incident to determine the circumstances that led to Akaneme’s death and ensure that the individuals involved, especially the implicated ASWAMA operatives, are held accountable.

In addition, FENRAD urged the governor to overhaul the operations of ASWAMA and other tax-related enforcement units in the state. It called for tighter regulation, public accountability, and a complete rejection of violent tactics. The group also demanded financial compensation for the Akaneme family and a formal public apology from the state government.

FENRAD further appealed to the Anambra State House of Assembly, the state police command, and the National Human Rights Commission to step in, stressing the need for institutional oversight and justice.

“This is no longer just about the late Hon. Akaneme,” the group’s statement emphasized. “It is about halting the widespread intimidation, abuse, and unchecked aggression by task forces deployed in the name of civic duties. Citizens must not live in fear of those representing the government.”

Reaffirming its stance, FENRAD pledged to continue advocating for justice and systemic change. “We stand firmly with the Akaneme family and the broader Onitsha business community. Our commitment to pushing for reform, justice, and responsible public service remains unshaken,” it added.

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