Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate Peter Obi and Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo were among dignitaries who attended the funeral of slain Labour Party chieftain Justice Azuka on Saturday at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Onitsha.
Azuka was reportedly kidnapped on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Onitsha while returning home for Christmas.
His lifeless body was discovered at the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.
Several prominent figures from the Labour Party and Anambra’s political sphere were present at the funeral, including senators Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) and Tony Nwoye (Anambra North), Emeka Idu (Onitsha North and South Federal Constituency), Pascal Agbodike (Ihiala Federal Constituency), and former lawmaker Chief Chima Nzeibe.
Also in attendance were LP governorship aspirants George Moghalu and Valentine Ozigbo, as well as former PDP gubernatorial candidate Oseloka Obaze.
The Anambra State House of Assembly was well represented, with speaker Somtochukwu Udeze, his deputy and several lawmakers in attendance, including Fred Ezenwa (Onitsha South 1), Jude Umennajigo (Onitsha South 2) and Pat Okafor (Onitsha North 2).
During the sermon, the Vicar in charge of Onitsha, Very Rev. Johnnosco Okafor, condemned the rising spate of violence and urged the government to enhance security measures.
“God is the giver of life, and only He has the right to take it,” he said, calling for repentance among those who engage in such crimes.
Governor Soludo expressed deep sorrow over Azuka’s death, describing him as a close associate and in-law.
“What happened was an abomination. It is still difficult to believe,” he said.
Addressing rumors that Azuka’s kidnappers withdrew N100 million from his account before killing him, Soludo dismissed the claim.
“That information is false. The moment we learned of his abduction, we ensured his account was blocked,” he stated.
He assured that those responsible for Azuka’s murder were in custody and would face justice. “They murdered Justice, and we will give them justice—no two ways about it,” he vowed.
Soludo also condemned the trend of kidnappers killing their victims even after collecting ransoms. “This wickedness must stop.
“Some people criticize the security measures we’ve put in place, but we remain focused. Anambra must be the most secure state in Nigeria,” he added.
The governor acknowledged the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, for taking proactive steps to prevent criminals from seeking refuge in Delta State.
He called on traditional rulers in Anambra to follow suit.
Soludo promised to support Azuka’s family but did not disclose specific plans.
