Fresh Allegations Trail Killing of Igwe Akuma as Family, Community Members Allege Brutality, Intimidation by Abia Deputy Governor
Fresh Allegations Trail Killing of Igwe Akuma as Family, Community Members Allege Brutality, Intimidation by Abia Deputy Governor.
More disturbing details have emerged surrounding the killing of Igwe Akuma, the young man shot dead in Okon-Aku, Ohafia Local Government Area, Abia State, as family members and community leaders accuse the Abia State Deputy Governor, Ikechukwu Emetu, and others of intimidation, assault, and abuse of power in the aftermath of the incident.
In a detailed account, Mr. Nnanna Ofor Mba stated that on January 3, 2026, at about 10:00 a.m., he and other youths of the community were instructed by the father of the deceased to convey Igwe Akuma’s corpse from Ucheoma Hospital, Ebem, Ohafia, back to the family home.
According to him, while returning with the body, they were blocked on the road by youths from Ndi-Owom. Efforts by Mr. Nnanna to calm the situation reportedly failed, as the youths became more aggressive.
He said he eventually drove away with the corpse, adding that he could not say what happened afterward.
However, while driving, he allegedly encountered some of Akuma’s brothers—later described as suspects—at their residence. It was there, he claimed, that the Deputy Governor arrived with a heavy security presence, including military personnel.
Mr. Nnanna alleged that upon identifying him, the Deputy Governor ordered that he be dragged out, slapped him, and physically assaulted him while security operatives held him down.
He further claimed that the Deputy Governor instructed his aides to beat him severely, despite his pleas that his brother had already been shot dead.
He said their mobile phones were seized, and when the Deputy Governor was later shown Akuma’s corpse in the vehicle, he appeared shocked.
According to Mr. Nnanna, the Deputy Governor allegedly uttered words of shock before ordering that they be taken first to the Ohafia Police Station and later transferred to the State CID in Umuahia.
He maintained that he was not present during the burning of houses and properties in the community.
Similarly, Chief Mrs. Grace Udensi Kalu narrated that on January 2, 2026, her family was celebrating their mother’s Ikuru Ekpe ceremony at their country home in Okon-Aku when news of Akuma’s death broke.
She said Akuma’s younger brother had earlier parked his vehicle in her compound for safety, fearing a repeat of a previous car-burning incident.
Following the killing, she said angry youths blocked the village exit, forcing some guests—including medical doctors and their families—to be escorted out.
She alleged that the Deputy Governor intercepted them, ordered everyone to identify themselves, and upon getting to her, she claimed he had been looking for her.
According to her account, she was arrested, handcuffed, and taken to a location where she was accused of being a petition writer against certain interests in the community.
She claimed she was pressured to withdraw her petition, with assurances that her case would be “made easier,” but she refused. She alleged that she was verbally abused, accused of instigating the crisis, and threatened with imprisonment.
At the Ohafia Police Station, she said she declined to write a statement, insisting that the Deputy Governor never explained the reason for her arrest.
She further alleged that her phone and smartwatch were seized and have not been returned, even after her transfer to the State CID in Umuahia.
More controversially, family sources claimed that before his death, Igwe Akuma allegedly mentioned the names of the Deputy Governor, Ndukwe Iko, and Bernard Kama (popularly known as Benkama) as those responsible for his shooting, alleging that thugs were sent to kill him at close range.
They argued that the subsequent burning of houses and properties in the community occurred only after Akuma’s death, driven by anger from youths who believed the victims of the arson were responsible for his killing.
Attention has also been drawn to a Facebook post made by the deceased on December 30, 2025, in which he alleged repeated attacks, destruction of property, and intimidation linked to a disputed Ezieogo (traditional leadership) installation in Okon-Aku.
In the post, Akuma openly questioned the role and interest of the Deputy Governor in the community’s chieftaincy affairs and appealed to the Abia State Governor, Alex Otti, to intervene.
In the emotional post, Akuma wrote that his car had earlier been set ablaze, properties destroyed, and lives threatened, warning that his own life was in danger.
He ended by appealing to the state government and security agencies to rescue his people, stating that “man can never be God, and posterity will always judge mankind.”
Meanwhile, Hon. Ekea Udensi Ogbonnaya, told journalists that he was not in town when the incident occurred and expressed shock over his detention, insisting that those arrested were being silenced because they were speaking out in pursuit of justice.
As grief deepens in Okon-Aku, residents and human rights advocates are calling for an independent investigation into the killing of Igwe Akuma, the alleged role of powerful political figures, and the conduct of security agencies involved.
Many insist that justice must be served, warning that the use of government power to suppress truth will only deepen wounds and prolong the community’s pain.