The murdered, lawyer, Barr Iloakasia with the red car
There have been graphic details about the murder of an Anambra lawyer, Barr. Ifeanyi Iloakasia, who was shot dead by gunmen shortly after securing a legal victory for his client in a murder case at the Ekwulobia High Court on Thursday.
The lawyer who also served as the President General of Aguleri community in Anambra East Local Government Area, was killed along with his client while celebrating the acquittal.
The victims were driving home together, rejoicing after the client was discharged and acquitted of a murder charge.
The tragic death of Barr. Iloakasia has left the legal practitioners, Aguleri, and the entire Anambra State in mourning.
The incident has sparked widespread grief, along with heightened tension and anxiety among residents of the state.
Responding to the incident, residents have called for justice and a swift investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
The traditional Ruler of Enugwu-Otu Aguleri, Igwe Emmanuel Ejimofor, expressed deep sorrow over the assassination of Barr. Iloakasia, who doubled as community leader.
The monarch confirmed the identity of the deceased and mourned the loss of a dedicated and vibrant community leader. He described Iloakasia as a patriot who served his people with passion and integrity.
According to the monarch, Barr. Iloakasia was a peace-loving, courageous, intelligent, and community-minded individual whose death is a monumental loss to Aguleri and Anambra State.
He added that Iloakasia was a bridge-builder, deeply involved in community development, and used his legal expertise to help the underprivileged and resolve disputes.
“He believed in justice and used his position and profession to stand for what was right. This is a painful loss,” the monarch said.
The remains of the slain lawyer have been deposited in a mortuary, and the community is awaiting further developments from the police investigation.
The Traditional Ruler has also called for calm and urged security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are apprehended and brought to justice.
Eyewitnesses reported that the assailants arrived on motorcycles and opened fire on their targets. One victim was shot while seated inside a red saloon car, while the second victim was gunned down while attempting to flee on foot.
Anambra State Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu,had visited the crime scene in Egbebelu, Nanka, accompanied by senior officers from the command.
Police Public Relations Officer SP Tochukwu Ikenga confirmed in a statement that the Commissioner had ordered a full-scale investigation and a manhunt for the killers.
According to the statement, preliminary police findings revealed that one of the victims was Barr. Ifeanyi Iloakasia, the President General of Aguleri, who had just secured bail for the second victim, an accused person involved in a murder case at High Court II in Ekwulobia.
The attack occurred as they were returning home from court.
However, details have also emerged regarding the case Barr. Iloakasia handled, which may provide a possible motive for his murder.
Reports indicate that the case dates back to a 2016 incident in which a young man was killed during a clash.
The victim’s family reportedly identified several suspects connected to the crime. In 2021, one of these suspects was allegedly involved in another crime and was subsequently remanded in Ekwulobia Prison.
Barr. Iloakasia was contacted to defend the suspect, and he diligently pursued the case. As expected, he secured the suspect’s bail, and the suspect was eventually discharged and acquitted on Thursday.
Tragically, Barr. Iloakasia was murdered while driving home with his client, celebrating the legal victory. The joy of their success was abruptly ended by armed men who ambushed their vehicle.
The acquitted client was killed on the spot, and Barr. Iloakasia, who attempted to flee, was chased down and shot dead.
Reports indicate that the assailants did not steal anything from the victims, not even the car, raising suspicions that the attack may have been a planned assassination.
