The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered the circumstances surrounding the alleged murder of a 56-year-old man, Mr Kelechi Madu, in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area, two days after he was reported missing.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Friday, August 21, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who said the breakthrough followed a coordinated search and investigation by police operatives, local vigilantes and members of the deceased’s family.

Madu was reported missing by his wife on August 18, after he reportedly left home on the evening of August 17 and failed to return.

According to the Command, the search for the missing man took a grim turn later that day when his wife returned to the police station to report that he had been found dead in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.

Police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where they found Madu’s lifeless body with a deep axe wound to his head. His remains were subsequently evacuated and deposited at a hospital mortuary for preservation.

Following the discovery, detectives intensified their investigation and arrested the deceased’s 32-year-old friend, Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, who allegedly confessed to being involved in the planning of the killing.

Preliminary findings by the Command indicated that Nwankwo allegedly obtained money from Madu through fraudulent means, claiming he would assist him in acquiring a piece of land.

Police alleged that the suspect subsequently engaged two other persons to eliminate Madu in an attempt to conceal the alleged fraudulent transaction and prevent the victim from recovering the money.

The Command said two other suspects linked to the alleged plot were also arrested, bringing the number of persons apprehended in connection with the case to four.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, psc, mnips, has directed investigators to intensify the probe and identify every person involved in the alleged conspiracy and murder.

The CP vowed that all persons found culpable would be brought to justice.

The Command, through Ikenga, 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.

Headline

By Okey Maduforo, Awka
Two suspected armed robbers and kidnappers have been neutralised by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command.
The development came as the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, ordered an immediate and comprehensive investigation into an incident involving police operatives and a suspect at the Head Bridge, Onitsha.
According to a statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the incident involving the suspected criminals occurred in the early hours of Wednesday, August 19, 2026.
Ikenga said operatives of the Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acted on credible intelligence that a group of suspected armed robbers and kidnappers had been sighted along Eziowelle Road.
He said the operatives swiftly mobilised to the area, but the suspects opened fire upon sighting the police team, leading to a gun duel.
“During the ensuing encounter, two of the suspects sustained fatal gunshot injuries, while other members of the gang fled the scene with varying degrees of gunshot wounds,” Ikenga said.
He added that the operatives recovered one AK-47 rifle with a magazine containing four live rounds of ammunition, one pump-action gun and five live cartridges from the scene.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough and impartial investigation into the separate incident at the Head Bridge, Onitsha, where gunshots were reportedly fired during an attempted arrest.
Addressing residents and other members of the public in Onitsha on Wednesday, CP Oji Ama said the immediate priority of the Command was to ensure that those injured in the incident receive adequate medical attention and recover fully.
The Commissioner subsequently visited the victims at the hospital, where he assured them of the Command’s support and pledged to personally ensure that their medical expenses were covered.
CP Oji Ama further ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident, particularly the events that led to the discharge of the firearm.
He stressed that the investigation would establish the facts and ensure that appropriate action was taken based on its findings.
The Commissioner appealed for calm and urged members of the public to remain peaceful while the investigation runs its course.
He reiterated the Command’s commitment to professionalism, accountability, respect for human life and strict adherence to the rule of law.
Meanwhile, the situation around the Head Bridge area has been de-escalated, with the free flow of vehicular and human movement restored.

…Calls for Probe, Commission of Inquiry into Violence in Ohaukwu, Ezza South

Chief Ifeanyi Chukwuma Odii, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Ebonyi State, has condoled with the family of Elder Onwe Ubochi of Osege Village, Umuogudu Oshia Ngbo, Ohaukwu Local Government Area, following his gruesome murder.

Odii described the killing as a tragic loss to the deceased’s family and the people of Ohaukwu and Ebonyi State, urging security agencies to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to identify and prosecute everyone found to have planned, sponsored, facilitated or participated in the killing, stressing that every Ebonyian’s life is precious regardless of political affiliation.

Calls for Commission of Inquiry

Odii also urged Governor Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru to constitute a high-powered commission of inquiry into the recurring violence and political tensions in Ohaukwu and Ezza South.

He said the commission should investigate previous incidents of violence, alleged threats, political tensions and other factors contributing to insecurity in the affected communities.

According to him, understanding the remote causes of the violence is essential to preventing further loss of lives and restoring public confidence.

Scholarship for Children

As part of his response to the tragedy, Odii announced scholarships for the children of the late Elder Ubochi through university level.

He said the gesture was intended to support the children and ensure that their father’s death does not derail their education.

“While nothing can replace their father, I want the children to know that they are not alone. I am committing to providing scholarships for his children up to university level. We will stand with the family and support the children in their education,” he said.

Odii also appealed to political, community and other stakeholders to reject violence and urged supporters of all political parties to remain calm and resist attempts to provoke reprisal attacks.

He said the people of Ohaukwu, Ezza South and Ebonyi State deserved peace, stressing that no political ambition was worth the life of a citizen.

He urged security agencies and the state government to act swiftly and transparently, saying justice for Elder Ubochi should be accompanied by concrete measures to prevent similar tragedies.

The reported killing of an elderly man identified as Elder Onwe Ubochi of Ngbo has sparked fresh concerns over political violence and the safety of citizens and political actors in Ebonyi State ahead of the 2027 general elections.

According to accounts surrounding the incident, Ubochi had attended a political gathering in Ohaukwu/Ebonyi Federal Constituency organised in support of an APGA candidate, where he was reportedly invited to lead an open prayer.

He was allegedly attacked and killed later that night, with reports also alleging that his mouth was mutilated.

The circumstances surrounding the killing, however, have not been independently established, while the identities and motives of those responsible remain unknown and subject to police investigation.

If the reported circumstances are confirmed, the incident would raise serious concerns about the safety of political supporters and citizens participating in lawful political activities.

The development has also prompted calls for the Inspector-General of Police to order a thorough and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Ubochi’s death.

Among the questions investigators are being urged to establish are who organised and attended the gathering, when and where Ubochi was last seen alive, who was responsible for his movement after the event, and whether the killing was politically motivated.

There are also calls for investigators to determine whether the deceased had received any threats before his death and whether security lapses contributed to the incident.

Meanwhile, PDP chieftain Hon. Emmanuel Nwobo has reportedly raised concerns over the political atmosphere in parts of Ebonyi State, including Ohaukwu and Ezza South, during appearances on four television stations.

Calls are also growing for Governor Francis Nwifuru to consider establishing an independent panel to examine allegations of political violence and intimidation in the affected areas.

Supporters of the proposal say such a panel should investigate allegations from all political sides, hear from victims and witnesses, review previous incidents and recommend measures to prevent further violence.

The calls come as political activities gradually intensify ahead of the 2027 elections.

Stakeholders have urged political leaders, security agencies, traditional rulers, religious leaders and civil society groups to work towards maintaining peace and ensuring that political disagreements do not degenerate into violence.

They also stressed the need for political campaigns to remain within the bounds of the law, with disputes resolved through lawful democratic processes rather than retaliation.

The family of the late Elder Ubochi has meanwhile been urged to be allowed to determine arrangements concerning his remains in accordance with their wishes, traditions and applicable law.

Those calling for justice said the immediate priority should be establishing the circumstances of his death, identifying those responsible and ensuring that anyone found culpable faces the law.

The reported killing has therefore become another point of concern for stakeholders seeking a peaceful electoral environment in Ebonyi ahead of 2027.

The central demand from those calling for an investigation is that political participation must not expose citizens to violence and that any allegation of politically motivated killing should be thoroughly investigated by the appropriate authorities.