By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra lawyer, Barr. Ifeanyi Iloakasia, who was gruesomely murdered by gunmen in Anambra State, has been officially identified as the President General of Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area.
Barr. Iloakasia, popularly known as Rolex, was reportedly assassinated alongside his client on Thursday morning by yet-to-be-identified assailants near the boundary between Agulu and Nanka, sparking off grief and heightened anxiety among the residents.
Speaking in an exclusive interview with this reporter, the Traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, H.R.H. Igwe Emmanuel Ejimofor, confirmed the identity of the deceased, describing him as a vibrant and dedicated community leader and patriot who served his with distinction.
Further describing the late Barr. Iloakasia as a peace-loving, courageous, intelligent, and community-minded leader and legal luminary, Igwe Ejimofor said the lawyer’s death was not only tragic and painful but also a monumental loss to the entire Aguleri community and the state at large.
According to the monarch, the late Iloakasia was also a bridge-builder, deeply involved in community development initiatives and also used his legal expertise to assist the less-privileged and settle disputes amicably.
“He believed in justice and used his position and profession to stand for what was right. This is a painful loss.”
He further disclosed that the remains of the slain lawyer have been deposited in a mortuary, while the community awaits further developments from the Police on the investigation into the heinous crime; even as he also called for calm and urged the security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice swiftly.
Recall that panic gripped parts of Anambra State on Thursday morning following a gunmen attack that claimed two lives near the Agulu-Nanka boundary, a usually busy road linking Anaocha and Orumba North LGAs.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants stormed the scene on a motorcycle and opened fire on their targets. While one of the victims was shot while seated inside a red saloon car, the second was gunned down as he attempted to escape on foot.
A video from the scene of the incident, which has gone viral on social media, shows a crowd gathered around the abandoned red Toyota Camry with the body of the first victim still inside, while voices in the background recounted the harrowing experience.
Watch the video below:
Following the attack, the Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, immediately visited the crime scene in Egbebelu, Nanka, alongside some senior officers and seasoned investigators from the Command.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Commissioner ordered a full-scale investigation and manhunt, guided by eyewitness testimonies and information from a survivor of the attack who managed to escape and is now receiving treatment in a hospital.
Preliminary police findings confirmed that one of the deceased was a lawyer (now identified as Barr. Ifeanyi Iloakasia and President General of Aguleri) who had just secured bail for (the second victim who) an accused person involved in a murder case at High Court II, Ekwulobia. The attack happened while they were returning home from the court.
Meanwhile, the details of the case being handled by Barr. Iloakasia have reportedly emerged, shedding more light on what might have led to his assassination.
According to reports, the legal matter dated back to a 2016 incident in which a young man was killed during a clash. The victim’s family was said to have identified some suspects linked to the crime. Then, in 2021, one of the suspects was allegedly involved in another crime and subsequently remanded in Ekwulobia Prison.
It was in the process of finding legal representation that Barr. Iloakasia was then contacted and engaged to defend the suspect, as every accused person is entitled to legal counsel. Armed with years of legal experience and goodwill, Iloakasia diligently pursued the case.
And, as expected, his efforts eventually led to the suspect being granted conditional bail, with the condition that he must consistently appear in court for his hearings. To meet this obligation, Barr. Iloakasia took it upon himself to always accompany the suspect to court sessions from their base in Awka.
Then this fateful day, being Thursday, he accompanied the suspect to the court, and thereafter, following a court ruling that acquitted and permanently discharged the suspect client of all charges, Barr. Iloakasia reportedly drove off with him, jubilant about the legal victory. However, their joy was tragically short-lived.
According to accounts, armed men on a motorcycle ambushed their vehicle, killing the acquitted client on the spot. Iloakasia, who tried to flee, was also chased down and gunned to death as well. It was gathered that their killers fled without stealing anything, not even the car, further fueling suspicion that it may have been a planned assassination.
This reporter, Izunna Okafor, gathered that Barr. Iloakasia (Rolex as he was fondly called) was a staunch member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Otuocha Branch. He was also said to be deeply respected in both the legal and traditional spheres for his wisdom, community engagements and advocacy for justice.
He was married to Mrs. Adaobi Iloakasia, who is also a legal practitioner and a member of the NBA, Awka Branch. The wife is said to be among the aspirants contesting for the position of Vice Chairman in the upcoming NBA Awka Branch election scheduled for next month.
The tragic murder of the barrister has, however, thrown the legal community, Aguleri community, and indeed Anambra State into mourning, as many continue to call for justice and a swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death.
