Akaneme Family Rejects Anambra Govt’s Condolence Message, Demands Justice over Death of Okechukwu Akaneme
Alleges Attempt to Cover Up Brutality by State Agents; Faults Government Narrative and Inaction
The family of late Mr. Theophilus Okechukwu Akaneme has strongly rejected a condolence message issued in the name of the Anambra State Government by the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, describing it as a media stunt aimed at distorting facts and obstructing justice in the matter of his death.
In a scathing rebuttal signed by legal representative Obianuju Efobi (Esq) on behalf of the Akaneme family, the family accused the Anambra State Government of issuing a public statement that trivializes the events leading to Mr. Akaneme’s death. The message, which has been widely circulated on social media, is said to have been issued without the knowledge or direct communication with the family.
“We saw the so-called condolence message online like every other person. It is regrettable that we must interrupt our period of mourning to address this false narrative,” the family stated.
The family took particular issue with a paragraph in the Commissioner’s message that claims Mr. Akaneme died from a scuffle with police officers attached to the Anambra State Waste Management Agency (ASWAMA), who were purportedly acting on a court order.
“This narrative is not only misleading but appears designed to sanitize a grave abuse of power that resulted in a slow, painful death after nine months of hospitalization,” the family said, dismissing the claim that a court order had been presented during the incident.
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Recounting the events of October 11, 2024, the family alleges that state agents stormed Mr. Akaneme’s home under the guise of a revenue drive without presenting any legal documentation or following due process. According to a statement by ASWAMA’s team lead, Mr. Joseph Okoye, the agents were on a revenue enforcement mission—not executing a court order. The family contends that this contradicts the Commissioner’s account and raises serious questions about the legality and motive behind the operation.
The family further condemned the Commissioner’s reference to a ₦40 million contribution by the State Government towards Mr. Akaneme’s medical expenses, stating that it was presented as though the government had done the family a favour.
“The deceased was hale and hearty until your government agents stormed his residence. You speak of ₦40 million, when the actual bill accrued at Memfys Hospital Enugu was over ₦72 million before his transfer to the National Orthopedic Hospital,” the statement read.
The family also decried the government’s failure to hold anyone accountable nearly ten months after the incident. Despite promises from government officials, including the Commissioner for Environment, Engr. Dr. Felix Odimegwu, there has been no formal prosecution of those allegedly involved in the assault.
“We are aware that the Police investigation was concluded and suspects were detained, only to be released by the then Commissioner of Police without informing the family. Since then, justice has stalled,” the statement continued.
The Akaneme family questioned the sincerity of the state government’s commitment to justice and accused it of shielding those responsible.
“If the government truly seeks justice for Okechukwu, then the proper course is to prosecute those responsible, not issue deceptive condolences through public relations channels,” the family stressed.
In conclusion, the family demanded a proper and sincere condolence from the state government, full accountability for the incident, and immediate prosecution of those responsible. They maintained that only through justice would the soul of Mr. Akaneme find peace.
Late Mr. Theophilus Okechukwu Akaneme died after suffering spinal injuries allegedly inflicted by state agents during an enforcement operation in October 2024. He remained hospitalized for nine months before succumbing to his injuries in mid-2025. His death has since sparked calls for accountability and reform in the operations of revenue and law enforcement agencies in Anambra State.
