Anambra suspends waste management firm’s licence over alleged assault

The Anambra State Government said it has suspended the activities of a waste management company, Salitz International Ventures, over an alleged assault on a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, Akaneme Okechukwu.

This is contained in a press statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Anambra Ministry of Environment, Tochukwu Obodogha, on behalf of the Commissioner, Felix Odumegwu, and made available to journalists in Awka on Tuesday.

Obodogha explained that the suspension was to allow for a full investigation to be carried out on the alleged assault on Akaneme, which reportedly took place at the victim’s residence in Onitsha on October 11, 2024.

The statement with the caption, ‘Suspension of operations pending investigation’, was addressed to the managing director of the company.

The statement read, “In light of recent compelling viral reports concerning an unfortunate incident involving Akaneme Okechukwu, a former President of the Onitsha Chamber of Commerce, who was brutally assaulted and injured by your operatives on Friday, October 11, 2024, the Anambra State Ministry of Environment has initiated a comprehensive investigation.

“Consequent to these circumstances, this letter serves to suspend all operations of Salitz International Ventures with immediate effect pending the full investigation’s outcome.

“Require your full cooperation with the ongoing investigative proceedings.

He pointed out that the state government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards any form of human rights abuse in the discharge of official duties by any of its agents.

The letter also stated that it requires the firm’s full cooperation with the ongoing investigative proceedings, just as it informed the firm that Anambra State Waste Management Authority, ASWAMA, has been directed to temporarily suspend their waste management operating license; pending the outcome of the investigation.

The letter pointed out that Anambra State Government maintains zero tolerance policy towards any form of human rights abuse in the discharge of official duty by any of its agent.

Akaneme was reportedly attacked on October 11 at his residence on Obi Lane, America Quarters, Onitsha, after ASWAMA officials, accompanied by two policemen from Onitsha Central Police Station, allegedly stormed his home over unpaid sanitation fees.

Witnesses said Akaneme was manhandled, leaving him with severe spinal injuries.

A close associate, Okechukwu Ani, narrating the ordeal said, “The team entered Akaneme’s home early that morning, demanding his arrest. Akaneme, still in his sleepwear, asked for time to get ready, but the team allegedly forced their way in.

“As neighbours were prevailing on the ASWAMA team to leave Akaneme alone, they realised that they had inflicted on him an almost fatal injury, it was at that point that the team members forcefully dropped Akaneme’s body to the ground of his apartment, near the door, while he was unable to lift a finger or move his legs with his neck broken amidst other injuries,” he said.

Akaneme was rushed to Holy Rosary Specialist Hospital, Onitsha, and later transferred to Nnamdi Azikiwe Teaching Hospital, Nnewi, where doctors confirmed his spinal cord was 65% damaged.

He has since been moved to the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, for advanced care.

The incident, widely shared on social media, has sparked outrage.

Residents and human rights groups have condemned the state government’s initial silence, demanding accountability.

Odumegwu, however, maintained that the state is prioritising Akaneme’s health.

“First and foremost, we have tried to reach the victim to ascertain his health condition and see how it can be salvaged. The victim reported the matter to the police station and investigations are going on as we speak. The ASWAMA waste manager has been trying empathically to reach the victim but to no avail,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Anambra State Police Command has not spoken on the matter.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, declined to comment.

However, a senior officer confirmed that the case has been transferred to the State CID in Awka for further investigation.

PUNCH