Three individuals are currently in police custody in connection with the brutal murder of a 56-year-old man identified as Mr Kelechi Madu at Awkuzu in the Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State.

According to reports, the victim was allegedly killed by a friend and two others in an attempt to cover up a substantial sum of money the friend had obtained under false pretences, claiming to purchase land for the deceased.

The arrest was made after a report from the deceased’s wife, who reported her husband’s disappearance three days prior.

Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said, “The revelation came after the arrest of the suspect, Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, 32, who reportedly confessed to plotting the murder and enlisting two others to carry out the act.”

According to Ikenga, on August 18, 2026, the deceased’s wife reported that her husband had gone out on the evening of August 17 and had not returned. The police, working with vigilante members and the family, began an investigation to locate him.

Later that day, the wife returned distressed, reporting that her husband’s body had been found in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu. Responding officers discovered the lifeless body with a deep axe wound to the head. The body was taken to a hospital for preservation.

During the investigation, Mr Nwankwo confessed to involvement in the planning and execution of the murder.

Initial findings indicate that he fraudulently obtained money from the victim under the pretence of helping him buy land. To hide this, Nwankwo allegedly hired two others to murder Mr Madu.

The Commissioner of Police for Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered an intensification of the investigation to identify and arrest all conspirators.

The police reiterate their commitment to justice and vow to strengthen community partnerships and intelligence efforts to prevent crime, solve cases, and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice.

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