Nwanguma questions Emeakayi’s continued stay as Anambra security adviser
The Executive Director of the Rule of Law and Accountability Advocacy Centre (RULAAC), Okechukwu Nwanguma, has called on Anambra State Governor Chukwuma Soludo to require the state’s security adviser, Ken Emeakayi, to step aside pending an independent investigation into allegations and accountability concerns involving him.
Nwanguma made the call in a statement questioning Emeakayi’s continued occupation of the sensitive security position despite unresolved concerns arising from the Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission’s recommendations, complaints relating to Achalla and a recent court order involving the Chukwujekwu family.
He said the issues, although different in their facts and legal status, raised questions about public accountability, the exercise of security powers and public confidence in the state’s security leadership.
According to Nwanguma, Professor Chidi Odinkalu, who chaired the Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission, had disclosed that the commission recommended a review of the unfinished prosecution concerning the killings of former Nigerian Bar Association, Onitsha branch chairman, Barnabas Igwe, and his pregnant wife, Amaka, to ensure effective accountability.
Nwanguma noted that Odinkalu had also publicly questioned Emeakayi’s appointment in view of the unresolved issues surrounding the case.
He, however, stressed that the commission’s recommendations did not amount to a criminal conviction, adding that the state government owed residents an explanation of the actions it had taken on the commission’s findings.
He asked the government to clarify what review was undertaken, the conclusions reached and the considerations behind Emeakayi’s appointment.
On the Achalla complaints, Nwanguma cited allegations raised through petitions and public interventions by RULAAC concerning arrests, detention and alleged interference with police processes.
Among the allegations, he said, was that an instruction to grant bail to detainees was allegedly frustrated following an intervention attributed to Emeakayi.
He also referred to claims that some detainees were left handcuffed overnight in a bus outside a security facility before being returned to police custody.
Nwanguma called for an independent investigation to establish who authorised the actions, the legal authority under which they were carried out and whether the rights of the affected persons were respected.
He added that Emeakayi should be given an opportunity to respond to the allegations and that his response should be assessed against relevant records and evidence.
The RULAAC director also raised concerns over a recent Anambra State High Court order involving the Chukwujekwu family.
According to published reports cited by Nwanguma, Justice Ike Ogu of the Anambra State High Court, Awka, on November 2, 2026, ordered the immediate unsealing of the family’s house and the return of its keys.
The court also reportedly restrained the respondents and their agents from taking further action against the applicants pending the determination of the suit.
Emeakayi is among the respondents in the case.
Nwanguma acknowledged that being named as a respondent did not establish personal liability but said the development required the state government to explain what measures had been taken to ensure compliance with the court’s order.
He asked whether the property had been reopened, whether the keys had been returned and whether the family could access its home without intimidation.
He argued that the allegations and court proceedings raised broader questions about the relationship between security authority, the rule of law and public accountability.
According to him, the absence of a criminal conviction does not prevent the government from conducting an administrative assessment of an appointee’s conduct and suitability for a sensitive public office.
He maintained that criminal responsibility and administrative accountability were separate considerations, while emphasising that the presumption of innocence must be respected.
Nwanguma urged Governor Soludo to institute a credible, independent and time-bound investigation into the allegations and require Emeakayi to step aside while the process is ongoing.
He also called for the publication of relevant portions of the Truth, Justice and Peace Commission’s report, alongside an account of the government’s actions on its recommendations.
For the Achalla complaints, he recommended an examination of custody records, bail instructions, communications and the chain of command to establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged incidents.
He further urged the government to verify compliance with the court’s order in the Chukwujekwu family case while allowing the substantive proceedings to continue without interference.
Nwanguma said public confidence was essential to effective security administration, arguing that residents must be able to report threats, provide information and seek assistance without fear of further victimisation.
He maintained that the government should publicly explain the justification for retaining Emeakayi and the safeguards in place to ensure accountability while the unresolved matters are being addressed.
