Traditional council asks Egbetokun to take over probe into Anambra lawmaker’s death

The Onitsha traditional council has called on Kayode Egbetokun, the inspector-general of police (IGP), to take over the probe into the killing of Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra house of assembly.

Azuka, who represented Onitsha north constituency, was attacked by gunmen along Ugwunapampa road in Onitsha, Anambra state, while returning home for the Christmas celebration.

His decomposing body was later found on the Second Niger Bridge after being held captive by his abductors for more than one month.

However, in an open letter to the IGP and Chukwuma Soludo, the governor of Anambra, the council said the request became necessary due to the unsatisfactory manner in which the case is being handled.

The council accused the Anambra police command of lack of transparency, noting that police in the state earlier claimed that the suspects withdrew N100 million from the victim’s bank account but was contradicted by the governor, who stated that the deceased account had been blocked.

“In light of the unsatisfactory handling of this high-profile case, the Onitsha community is calling on the inspector-general of police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the investigation from the state command,” the letter reads.

“Given the unsatisfactory manner in which this high-profile case has so far been handled, the Onitsha community resolved to respectfully call on the inspector-general of police, Dr. Kayode Egbetokun, to take over the case from the state command.

“Onitsha community respectfully demands answers and actions from the authorities to address the growing safety and security concerns in Anambra state.”

The council also raised questions about the timeline of the lawmaker’s death, routine freezing of bank accounts of kidnap victims, and the circumstances surrounding the escape of the suspects.

The community urged the governor to restore public confidence in the state’s new security strategy and ensure that justice is served swiftly.

On February 19, the police command in Anambra said two suspects linked to the murder of the lawmaker escaped from custody.