The Foundation for Environmental Rights, Advocacy and Development (FENRAD), a human rights and governance watchdog, has petitioned Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Chukwuma Soludo, over the death of Hon. Okey Akaneme, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (ONICCIMA).
Akaneme reportedly died from injuries sustained during a tax-related assault by agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA).
The statement was signed by Nelson Nnanna Nwafor, Executive Director of FENRAD.
In a press release issued Sunday, FENRAD described Akaneme’s death as “tragic and avoidable,” stating that it occurred “following prolonged internal injuries sustained during a brutal assault by agents of the Anambra State Waste Management Authority (ASWAMA) under the guise of tax enforcement.”
The group condemned what it called “an alarming trend of violent revenue enforcement in Anambra State,” carried out by “unauthorised or loosely monitored agents who operate outside the bounds of due process, human rights, and dignity.”
FENRAD said it was “deeply saddened that a respected community leader and business figure like Hon. Akaneme could be subjected to such inhumane treatment, and ultimately lose his life, simply due to the actions of agents of the state purportedly tasked with sanitation and tax collection.”
The organisation urged Governor Soludo to order an immediate and independent investigation into the attack that led to Hon. Akaneme’s death and identify and prosecute all ASWAMA agents involved in the incident.
It also called on the governor to reform and regulate the operations of ASWAMA and other tax enforcement units to prevent further abuse, compensate the family of the late Akaneme for the loss and pain inflicted by this unjust incident, and issue a public statement condemning violent revenue enforcement and affirming the state’s commitment to human rights and lawful civic engagement.
It also called on the Anambra State House of Assembly, the state police command, and the National Human Rights Commission to intervene to ensure justice is served.
“This is not just about Hon. Akaneme alone—it is about ending the systemic terror, brutality, and unlawful conduct by state-affiliated task forces in the name of tax collection,” the statement read. “No citizen should die at the hands of those meant to serve and protect public interest.”
FENRAD reaffirmed its commitment to accountability and reform, declaring, “FENRAD stands in solidarity with the Akaneme family and the Onitsha business community, and will continue to pursue accountability, justice, and reforms to end such barbaric practices in public administration.”