Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Murder of Friend in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ifeanyi Nwankwo, in connection with the alleged murder of his friend, 56-year-old Kelechi Madu, in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

Madu was reported missing on August 18, 2026, after he left home the previous evening and failed to return.

According to the police, his wife reported the matter at the station, prompting officers, members of the local vigilante group and the deceased’s family to begin a search for him.

Later that day, Madu was found dead in a nearby bush in Umuobi, Awkuzu, with a deep axe wound to his head.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said investigations into the circumstances surrounding the killing led to the arrest of Nwankwo, who allegedly confessed to his involvement in the plot.

Police said preliminary investigations revealed that Nwankwo allegedly collected money from Madu under the guise of helping him purchase a piece of land, but the property did not exist.

According to the command, Nwankwo allegedly recruited two other people to kill Madu in an attempt to conceal the fraudulent transaction and prevent the victim from recovering his money.

The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has ordered an intensified investigation to identify and arrest all those allegedly involved in the conspiracy and murder.

The Command said it remained committed to ensuring that everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice, while assuring residents that it would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and community partnerships to combat violent crime.