24 Years After, Barnabas, Amaka Igwe Yet to Get Justice Despite TJCP’s Report

Justice has yet to be served for the brutal killing of Barnabas Igwe, former Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in Onitsha, and his pregnant wife, Amaka, 24 years ago. Despite a comprehensive report by the Anambra State Truth, Justice and Peace Commission (TJPC), which detailed the circumstances of their murder and recommended remedial actions, the case remains unresolved.

The confidential TJPC report, chaired by human rights activist Prof. Chidi Odinkalu, described the unresolved murders as a "continuing violation crying out for remedy." It documented allegations of state complicity, failed prosecution efforts, and institutional interference that allegedly obstructed justice in one of Anambra State's most controversial murder cases.

The commission's investigation traced the killings to September 1, 2002, when the couple was attacked shortly after returning from a conference. They were allegedly blocked by armed men, dragged from their vehicle, brutally assaulted, and run over by a car. Amaka died that night, while Barnabas succumbed to his injuries the following day, reportedly identifying some attackers.

The report implicated members of the then state-backed Anambra Vigilante Service (AVS) and named Mr. Ken Emeakayi, then Commissioner for Works, as the leader of the convoy linked to the attack. Although witnesses and police identified suspects leading to arrests and prosecution, these efforts later stalled. Notably, Emeakayi currently serves as Special Adviser on Community Security to Governor Soludo and heads a security outfit, yet no court conviction has been secured in connection with the Igwe murders.

The killings occurred amidst heightened tensions between the Anambra State Government and the NBA, with Barnabas Igwe being a vocal critic of the administration over unpaid salaries owed to public sector workers. His criticism of the Mbadinuju administration's governance, during a period of prolonged strikes, placed him at odds with the authorities.

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a continuing violation crying out for remedy