Lawrence Nwimo, Awka
The new Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area Anambra State, Mr Mbazulike Iloka, has been suspended by the state government barely one week after his appointment.
His suspension wan not unconnected to the strange circumstances surrounding the death of his wife Mrs Chidiebere IIoka and the public outcry which suggests that her death might have been a case of possible homicide.
Late Chidiebere, Iloka’s wife, was reported to have slouched and passed away on Sunday morning after preparing her husband’s breakfast.
However, someone close to the family argued that Iloka may have murdered his wife given a history of battering.
Additionally, there were evidences of violence on her body, and a large wound to her skull sparked suspicion and public outrage over her passing.
The chairman was instructed to turn over to the head of local government administration in a letter of suspension signed by Tony Collins Nwabunwanne, the Commissioner for Local Government, Chieftaincy, and Community Affairs. This was said to have been done to prevent interference with the investigation.
The letter read: “Following the sad news of the death of your wife, late Mrs Chidiebere Iloka on 7th August 2022, there has been a massive outcry over the circumstances leading to her death, including alleged possible homicide.
“While you are presumed innocent until the completion of investigations, it has become imperative that you step aside to allow unfettered investigation and justice.
“Consequently, you are directed to step aside and to hand over the affairs of the local government to the head of local government administration, not later that 12th August 2022, until further notice.”
