The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged murder of a 56-year-old man, Kelechi Madu, in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The incident came to light after Madu’s wife reported him missing on August 18, 2026, following his failure to return home after leaving the house the previous evening.
According to the police, a search involving operatives, local vigilantes and members of the deceased’s family later led to the discovery of his body in a bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.
The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the deceased was found with a deep axe wound to his head.
He said, “Police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where the deceased was found lying lifeless with a deep axe cut to his head.”
Ikenga disclosed that investigators subsequently arrested 32-year-old Ifeanyi Nwankwo, a friend of the deceased, who allegedly confessed to his involvement in the killing.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicated that Nwankwo had allegedly collected money from Madu after promising to assist him in acquiring a piece of land.
The suspect allegedly arranged the killing in an attempt to conceal the transaction and prevent the recovery of the money.
Ikenga said, “The suspect allegedly obtained money fraudulently from the deceased under the guise of assisting him to acquire a piece of land.”
He added that the suspect allegedly hired two other people to carry out the murder.
The police said the investigation had led to the arrest of four suspects so far, while efforts were ongoing to identify and apprehend every person linked to the alleged conspiracy.
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified.
The command assured residents that those found culpable would be prosecuted.
“The Command is determined to ensure that every person connected to the crime is brought to justice,” Ikenga said.
