By Kenneth Udeh
In a shocking daylight attack, Rolex Ifeanyi Iloakasia, a legal practitioner and president-general of the Aguleri community, in Anambra State, was assassinated alongside his client on Thursday morning at the Nanka-Agulu boundary in the state.
According to sources, Iloakasia had travelled to Nanka earlier in the day to represent a client in a high-stakes legal matter. Close associates, speaking to The 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 lawyer and his client departed the court in a red Toyota Camry, with registration number ABC67 AX, heading toward Awka. It was during this journey that tragedy struck.
Eyewitnesses reported that gunmen believed to be hired assassins ambushed their vehicle.
The attackers, riding a motorcycle, 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 he 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 questions about 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 was 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 Nigeria 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.