Alleged homicide: Anambra suspends LGA transition committee chair over wife’s death

The Anambra government has suspended Mbazulike Iloka, Nnewi north LGA transition committee chairman, over circumstances surrounding the death of Chidiebere, his wife.

In a letter dated August 11, 2022, signed by Collins Nwabunwanne, commissioner for local government, chieftaincy and community affairs, the government said the suspension followed allegations that Chidiebere was killed.

“Following the sad news of the death of your wife, late Mrs Chidiebere Iloka, on 7th August 2022, there has been a massive outcry over the circumstances leading to her death, including alleged possible homicide,” the letter reads. 

“While you are presumed innocent until the completion of investigations, it has become imperative that you step aside to allow unfettered investigation and justice.

“Consequently, you are directed to step aside and to hand over the affairs of the local government to the head of local government administration, not later than 12th August 2022, until further notice.”

Iloka was recently sworn in as the chairman of the local government and had been in office for less than two weeks.

Chidiebere died on August 7, and her husband is said to have claimed that she slumped before she was confirmed dead.

However, there are reports making the rounds that the deceased may have been a victim of domestic violence.

Meanwhile, efforts to reach Tochukwu Ikenga, Anambra police spokesperson, on investigation into the allegations did not yield result as he failed to respond to calls or message.