- Okechukwu Akaneme suffered spinal damage after alleged ASWAMA assault
- Police reopen case amid widespread calls for justice
- Commissioner orders fresh investigation into 2024 incident
The Anambra State Police Command has reopened investigations into the controversial death of veteran journalist Okechukwu Akaneme.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Akaneme, a former NUJ Onitsha chairman, sustained critical injuries after an alleged assault by officials of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) in October 2024.
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The incident, which reportedly stemmed from a dispute over a waste levy, left Akaneme hospitalised for months before his eventual death on July 10, 2025.
Officials allegedly attempted to forcefully arrest Akaneme, locking his arms behind his neck during the scuffle.
Eyewitnesses claim the action caused his spinal cord to crack, prompting the officers to flee the scene.
Doctors confirmed that 65% of his spinal cord had been damaged, an injury he never recovered from.
He was treated at Rosary Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, and later moved to Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital in Nnewi.
Eventually, Akaneme was transferred to Memfys Neurosurgery Hospital, Enugu, where he passed away.
Despite the severity of his injuries, no arrests were made, and state officials initially downplayed the incident.
Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed in a statement that an earlier inquiry was conducted internally.
He admitted the findings suggested some ASWAMA officials had violated proper procedures during the enforcement.
Ikenga noted the fresh probe comes in response to widespread outrage from the journalist’s family and the public.
The Commissioner of Police has now directed the SCID in Awka to lead the new investigation.
Police also pledged transparency and accountability, vowing that any erring officers would face consequences.
Ikenga added that the Command is collaborating with relevant state agencies to unravel the truth.
