The late Justice Azuka, a member of the Anambra State House of Assembly representing Onitsha North 1 Constituency, was buried on Saturday amid tears from family, government officials, Labour Party members, and well-wishers. Azuka, a Labour Party chieftain, was kidnapped on December 24, 2024, in Onitsha while heading home for Christmas. His body was found on February 6, 2025, at the Second Niger Bridge. His burial mass at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Onitsha, was attended by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Speaker of the House Somtochukwu Udeze, Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi, and other dignitaries.
During the service, Rev. Fr. Johnbosco Okafor emphasized that only God has the right to take life and urged the government to do more to protect citizens.
Governor Soludo, mourning Azuka as both a colleague and in-law, vowed that justice would be served. He dismissed rumors that kidnappers withdrew ₦100 million from Azuka’s account, confirming that his funds were frozen immediately after the abduction. He assured that those responsible for the murder had been arrested and would face justice.
Soludo condemned the rising trend of kidnappings and killings, warning that his administration would not tolerate such crimes. He defended the state's security measures, criticizing those who opposed them and vowed to make Anambra the safest state in Nigeria.
He also praised the Asagba of Asaba, Prof. Epiphany Azinge, for taking steps to prevent criminals from fleeing Anambra into Delta State.
The governor promised to support Azuka’s family but did not specify how.
The funeral was attended by prominent Labour Party members, including Senators Victor Umeh and Tony Nwoye, House of Representatives members, and governorship aspirants such as Chief George Moghalu and Chief Valentine Ozigbo.
