Barrister Ifeanyi Rolex Iloakasia, a respected lawyer and prominent community figure in Anambra State, was brutally assassinated by unidentified gunmen shortly after leaving a courtroom session on Thursday, May 15. The incident, which also claimed the life of his client, occurred in broad daylight in Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area, while they were returning from a hearing at Ekwulobia High Court.
The shocking killing of Iloakasia, a kinsman of former Governor Willie Obiano and President-General of Aguleri in Anambra East, has thrown the state into deep mourning and unrest. It marks the most significant violent incident since the introduction of Operation Udo-Gachi, an initiative launched to curb insecurity in the state.
In swift reaction, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Anambra State chapter strongly condemned the assassination, calling it a dangerous attack on the legal profession and the justice system. Mr. K.G Abonyi, chairman of the Committee of Chairmen and Secretaries of NBA Anambra, described the killing in an interview on Thursday, May 22, as a “blatant assault” on the rule of law.
He expressed the association’s deep grief, recalling the earlier loss of Awa P. Awa, a former vice-chairman of the Ihiala branch of the NBA, who was also a victim of similar violence.
Abonyi declared:
“Justice must be served, and we demand that the relevant authorities leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and accountability.
“We urge the Commissioner of Police, DSS, and other law enforcement agencies to intensify efforts to ensure that the perpetrators do not evade justice. Speedy action is crucial in identifying and apprehending those responsible for this horrific crime.
“Too many lawyers have been sacrificed to insecurity in Anambra state, and the legal profession cannot thrive under an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.”
Reacting to the devastating news, former Governor Willie Obiano expressed sorrow over the gruesome murder of his associate and community leader. In a statement issued on Thursday, Obiano described the killing as senseless and deeply troubling.
He stated; “This senseless act of violence is a dark and painful blow, not just to Aguleri, but also to Anambra state as a whole.”
Obiano further noted that taking the life of “such a vibrant, intelligent, and promising young man cannot be justified under any circumstance.” He called on security agencies to expedite efforts in tracking down those behind what he labeled a “heinous crime.” He also extended his condolences to Iloakasia’s family and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The Anambra State Town Unions Council (ASTUC) also joined in condemning the killing. Its chairman, Chief Sir Vin Dike, lamented the violent death of Iloakasia and encouraged his family not to lose hope as authorities work to bring the attackers to justice.
Dike remarked: “We received with chilling coldness and rude shock, news of the senseless and brutal murder of our dear colleague, Barrister Ifeanyi Iloakasia, the President General of Aguleri community.
“While consoling ourselves, we will equally keep in our prayers his beloved wife and children, and the good people of Aguleri community.
“We urge his family, community, friends, and colleagues to maintain calm as an investigation is ongoing to uncover the culprits. We must seek solace in our collective faith that he is now in peaceful and eternal rest.”
He went on to highlight Iloakasia’s significant contributions as a smart, vibrant, and forward-thinking leader who championed peace and community development. According to Dike, Iloakasia had just been appointed a member of the ASTUC Capacity Building Committee before his untimely death.
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Charles Soludo, also expressed profound sadness over the tragic incident. Speaking through the Commissioner for Information, Dr. Law Mefor, the governor extended heartfelt condolences to the bereaved families. He acknowledged the bravery of security personnel who thwarted a separate attack in Isuofia — his hometown — on the same day.
Soludo reassured residents that the state government had intensified security patrols and operations to prevent further breakdown of order.
He emphasized:
“Although criminal incidents might have understandably heightened concerns among the public, yet, Anambra people should be assured that the state government is taking the matter with the utmost seriousness; working with security agencies to ensure that the fleeing killers are caught and that justice is served promptly.”
