The remains of Justice Azuka, the late member representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency in the Anambra State House of Assembly, have been laid to rest in Onitsha amid an outpouring of grief from family, friends, and political associates.
Azuka, a chieftain of the Labour Party, was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Onitsha and later found dead at the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
The burial mass, held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Onitsha, was attended by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi, and several National Assembly members.
In his sermon, the Vicar-in-charge of Onitsha, Very Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Okafor, condemned the increasing wave of violence and called for repentance among youths involved in criminal activities. He urged the state government to intensify efforts in safeguarding lives and property.
Governor Soludo, visibly emotional, described Azuka’s killing as an abomination and vowed that justice would be served. He dispelled rumors that the kidnappers withdrew ₦100 million from the lawmaker’s account before killing him, stating that his administration had blocked the account upon learning of his abduction.
“All those involved in his murder are in custody. They murdered Justice, and we will give them justice. This must never happen again in Anambra,” Soludo declared.
The governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to securing Anambra, condemning those criticizing the Agunechemba security outfit and vowing to clamp down on criminal elements and their collaborators.
The solemn event drew attendance from top Labour Party leaders, including Senators Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, House of Representatives members Emeka Idu and Pascal Agbodike, and governorship aspirants like Chief George Moghalu, Chief Valentine Ozigbo, and Chief Oseloka Obaze.
Governor Soludo assured the late lawmaker’s family of government support, promising that they would not be left without assistance.
