Police Arrest Friend, Alleged Mastermind and Two Others Over Alleged Murder of 56 Year Old in Anambra Community

By Our Reporter

What began as a missing-person report has, within just two days, turned into a murder investigation, with the Anambra State Police Command arresting a close friend of the deceased and two other suspects over the alleged killing of 56-year-old Kelechi Madu in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area.

The police said Madu was allegedly murdered after his friend, 32-year-old Ifeanyi Nwankwo, reportedly obtained money from him under the guise of helping him secure a piece of land.

According to the Command, Nwankwo allegedly confessed to plotting the murder and engaging two other persons to carry out the killing.

The incident came to light after Madu’s wife reported to the police on August 18, 2026, that her husband had left home on the evening of August 17 and had failed to return.

Police operatives, working with members of the local vigilante group and the deceased’s family, immediately launched inquiries and a search operation to locate him.

However, later that evening, the situation took a tragic turn.

The distraught wife returned to the police station with news that her husband had been found dead in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.

Operatives were immediately mobilised to the scene, where Madu’s lifeless body was discovered with what the police described as a deep axe wound to the head. His remains were subsequently evacuated and deposited at a hospital mortuary for preservation.

The ensuing investigation led to the arrest of Nwankwo, a friend of the deceased. Police said the suspect allegedly confessed to his involvement in the planning and execution of the murder.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained money fraudulently from the deceased under the guise of assisting him to acquire a piece of land,” the police said.

According to the Command, investigators suspect that Nwankwo allegedly arranged the killing in an attempt to conceal the fraudulent transaction and prevent the deceased from recovering or exposing the money involved.

The police said Nwankwo allegedly hired two other persons to murder Madu, leading to the arrest of the additional suspects.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has ordered investigators to intensify efforts to identify and arrest every other person allegedly connected to the conspiracy and murder.

The Command said it remains committed to ensuring that all those found culpable are brought to justice.

“The Command is determined to ensure that every person connected to the crime is brought to justice,” the police stated.

The Anambra State Police Command also assured residents that it would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and community partnerships to prevent violent crimes, uncover criminal networks and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law.

The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and continue to provide useful information that could assist security agencies in preventing and solving criminal cases.