MURDERED ANAMBRA LAWMAKER, JUSTICE AZUKA, TO BE BURIED FEB 15

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The late Justice Azuka, the Anambra State lawmaker representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency, will be laid to rest on Saturday, February 15, 2025, his family announced on Tuesday.

Azuka was abducted on December 24, 2024, along Ugwunaobankpa Road in Onitsha while returning home for Christmas. His decomposing body was discovered near the Second Niger Bridge on February 6, 2025.

Born in 1985, the 40-year-old legislator was a Labour Party chieftain who reclaimed his mandate after a court nullified the victory of Douglas Egbuna of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2023 election.

According to a burial announcement signed by the head of the Azuka family, Chinyelugo Azuka, the funeral mass will be held at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Awka Road, Onitsha, followed by interment at his family residence in Ugwunaobankpa, Onitsha.

The state House of Assembly will hold a valedictory session in his honour on Friday, February 14, at the Hallowed Chambers in Awka.

The burial announcement states: “On Saturday, February 15, 2025, burial Mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Awka Road, Onitsha, by 11 am. His body will lie in state at Onitsha Stadium by 10:30 am.”

Until his tragic passing, Azuka served as Chairman of the House Committee on CSO Establishments and Labour Matters and was also the Deputy Chairman of the House Committee on Public Petitions.

During Tuesday’s plenary, Speaker of the Anambra State House of Assembly, Somtochukwu Udeze, described Azuka as a dedicated and selfless lawmaker.

“His commitment and dedication to duty were never in doubt. He was always ready to learn and ready to serve. He was part and parcel of the soul of this Hallowed Chambers,” Udeze said.

A condolence register has been opened at the Assembly Complex in Awka for lawmakers, staff and sympathisers to pay their respects.