The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of a 56-year old man, Mr Kelechi Madu, in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The man had been declared missing some days back, but was later discovered dead, with police investigation showing that his death was plotted by his friend in connivance with others, after duping him of money for a nonexistent property.
A press release by the state police command’s spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the revelation was after the arrest of the deceased’s friend, Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, 32 years old, who allegedly confessed to plotting the murder and engaging two others to execute the act.
Ikenga said, “Following the report, on the 18th of August 2026 from the wife of the deceased, that her husband had gone out on the evening of 17th August 2026 and had not returned home.
“Police operatives, in collaboration with members of the local vigilante group and the deceased’s family, immediately commenced inquiries and a search operation to establish his whereabouts.
“In the evening of the same day, however, the wife returned to the station in distress and reported that her husband had been found dead in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.”
Ikenga said police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where the deceased was found lying lifeless with a deep axe cut to his head.
He said in the course of the investigation, the Command arrested Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, a friend of the deceased, who allegedly confessed to his involvement in the planning and killing of Mr Kelechi Madu.
“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. In an attempt to conceal the alleged fraudulent transaction and suppress the money obtained from the deceased, the suspect reportedly hired two other persons to murder him.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify and arrest all persons involved in the conspiracy and murder.
“The Command is determined to ensure that every person connected to the crime is brought to justice. The Command further assures the people of Anambra State that it will continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and community partnership to prevent violent crimes, unravel criminal activities and ensure that perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” the release stated.
(Ripples)
