Anambra News
Fish Magnet Candlelight Procession 2025: Awka Youths March for Justice
VeryDarkMan Leads Peaceful Protest in Honour of Slain Entrepreneur Ifesinachi Onyekere
Awka, Anambra State, On the evening of August 5, 2025, hundreds of youths, activists, and residents gathered at Aroma Junction in Awka for an emotional candlelight procession and peaceful protest in honour of the late entrepreneur Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as Fish Magnet.
The event, spearheaded by controversial activist and social commentator VeryDarkMan (VDM), drew widespread attention as participants demanded justice for the young businessman who was abducted and murdered under mysterious circumstances in late July.
A City Stands Still
The crowd, dressed in black, began forming at Aroma Junction by 3:00 PM. By 4:00 PM, the atmosphere shifted as VeryDarkMan arrived, accompanied by popular Nigerian content creator Lord Zeus. A wave of cheers and jubilation erupted from the waiting crowd.
From there, the movement shifted to Emeka Anyaoku Boulevard, beside the Aroma Flyover, where VDM addressed the gathering. He described the event not just as a farewell to a fallen brother, but as a wake-up call to rising insecurity in Anambra and across Nigeria.
“This is a peaceful demonstration for our deceased brother who was kidnapped and killed in his prime,” he said.
“If we continue to stay quiet, the next victim could be any of us.”
A March for Justice
From the boulevard, VDM led a solemn march to Fish Magnet’s fish business at Ring Road, Agu Awka, where candles were lit and prayers offered in his memory. The walk was peaceful, emotional, and heavily symbolic.
Fish magnet business center
Along the way, chants of #Justice4FishMagnet filled the air. Young people held placards demanding security, justice, and an end to senseless killings.
VDM did not hold back his words during the procession.
“Governor Soludo has killed Fish Magnet by failing to provide security,” he declared.
“President Tinubu is also killing thousands daily by ignoring the safety of Nigerians.”
Government Presence
Amid the demonstration, Anambra State Deputy Governor, Dr Ibezim Onyekachukwu made a surprise appearance. In a rare show of solidarity, he helped control traffic as the crowd swelled across the major road. Also spotted at the scene was media personality Ezenwa Chukwudi, alongside his security detail, offering support and ensuring calm.
The Anambra Police Command had earlier warned against the candlelight gathering, citing public safety concerns. However, the event remained peaceful and was escorted by security personnel throughout.
The Man They Marched For
Fish Magnet, born Ifesinachi Onyekere from Utuh in Nnewi South, was a young entrepreneur who built a successful fish business in Awka. Known for his generosity and business ethics, his murder on July 27, 2025, after being kidnapped from his home, sent shockwaves through the community.
Despite paying ransom, he was found dead in Amawbia, a tragedy that sparked the ongoing movement calling for accountability.
A Legacy in the Shadows
The peaceful protest wasn’t only about one man’s death. It became a reflection of what many young Nigerians face daily, fear, frustration, and a system that fails to protect.
“This is no longer just about Fish Magnet,” one protester said. “This is about all of us who go to work every day and pray we make it home.”
Conclusion
As the candles flickered in front of his shop that night, Awka stood still. The people didn’t just mourn, they spoke, they walked, and they demanded.
And even in death, Fish Magnet sparked a movement.
For those who missed the emotional scenes from the march, you can watch highlights from the candlelight procession here:
Read about: Fish Magnet 2025: Emotional Candlelight Procession Begins in Awka
