Barrister Rolex Ifeanyi Iloakasia, a legal practitioner and President-General of the Aguleri community has been assassinated.
He was k!lled alongside his client on Thursday morning at the Nanka-Agulu boundary in Anambra State.
According to DailySun, Iloakasia had travelled to Nanka earlier to represent a client in a high-stakes legal matter.
Close associates, speaking to Daily Sun under anonymity, described the case as “a heavy one,” suggesting it may have involved sensitive or controversial issues.
While heading back to Awka after the court proceedings in Nanka, the Legal Practitioner and his client departed the court in a red Toyota Camry (registration number ABC 67 AX), heading toward Awka. It was during the journey that tragedy struck.
Eyewitnesses reported that their vehicle was ambushed by gunmen believed to be hired assassins.
The attackers, riding a motorcycle (commonly known as Okada), intercepted the vehicle at the Nanka-Agulu boundary and opened fire through the windscreen, killing Iloakasia instantly.
His client, whose identity remained unknown at press time, reportedly attempted to flee the scene but was pursued and fatally shot by the assailants.
After executing the attack, the gunmen fled the scene on their motorcycle.
The incident occurred alarmingly close to a local police station, prompting public outrage and raising serious questions about the effectiveness of security in the area.
The news of Iloakasia’s murder has sent shockwaves across the state. Known for his integrity, accessibility, and dedication to justice, his death has plunged the legal community and the people of Aguleri into mourning.
“This was clearly a targeted hit,” said one source. “Given the nature of the case and the precision of the attack, it was anything but random.”
As of press time, the Anambra State Police Command has yet to release an official statement. However, early indications suggest the assailants may have had prior knowledge of Iloakasia’s movements.
Community members have called on the Nigerian Police to swiftly apprehend the perpetrators, noting that potential suspects may not be far from reach.
This incident underscores growing concerns over the safety of legal professionals and the troubling rise in targeted killings within the region.
Efforts to reach the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, are ongoing.