Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo of Anambra State has conveyed his condolences to the family of Mr. Okechukwu Akaneme, the late President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce. Akaneme’s death followed complications from an alleged brutal assault by agents linked to the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA).

Soludo acknowledged Akaneme’s contributions to the state’s socio-economic development, recognizing his roles as the former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, former Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Onitsha Federated Chapel, and a prominent leader in the Onitsha business community.

Akaneme’s ordeal began on October 11, 2024, when alleged ASWAMA agents stormed his residence in Onitsha, accusing him of not paying a sanitation levy. His refusal to comply reportedly led to a violent attack that resulted in paralysis from the shoulders down. He was initially treated at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, and later transferred to Memphis Hospital, Enugu, where he died despite over N20 million spent on his care.

Governor Soludo mentioned that the state government had offered N40 million for Akaneme’s medical treatment and assured the family of continued support, reaffirming the administration’s commitment to justice.

ASWAMA Managing Director, Chief Mike Ozoemena, distanced the agency from the incident, stating that the contractor involved had been suspended and that ASWAMA did not authorize the use of violence.