The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects in connection with the alleged murder of 56-year-old Kelechi Madu in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The development followed investigations into Madu’s death, barely two days after his wife reported him missing.
According to the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the prime suspect, identified as 32-year-old Ifeanyi Nwankwo, was a friend of the deceased and allegedly confessed to planning the killing and engaging two other people to carry it out.
Police said preliminary investigations indicated that Nwankwo allegedly obtained money from Madu fraudulently after claiming he could assist him in acquiring a piece of land.
Investigators alleged that the suspect subsequently arranged the killing in an attempt to conceal the transaction and prevent the recovery of the money.
Madu Reported Missing
According to the police, Madu’s wife reported him missing on August 18, 2026, after he left their home on the evening of August 17 and did not return.
Police operatives, working alongside members of the local vigilante group and the deceased’s family, subsequently began searching for him and investigating his whereabouts.
Later that evening, the wife returned to the police station and reported that her husband had been found dead in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.
Police operatives were immediately deployed to the location, where the deceased was found dead.
His remains were subsequently taken to a hospital for preservation.
Friend Allegedly Confesses
During the investigation, police arrested Nwankwo, who allegedly confessed to involvement in planning the killing.
According to the police, Nwankwo had allegedly received money from Madu under the pretext of helping him acquire a parcel of land.
Investigators said the alleged fraud became the motive behind the subsequent plot to kill the deceased and conceal the transaction.
The police said two other people were allegedly engaged to carry out the killing.
The command said investigations are continuing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and identify everyone involved.
Police Intensify Investigation
The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify and arrest all persons allegedly connected to the conspiracy and murder.
The command said it remains committed to ensuring that everyone connected to the crime is brought to justice.
The police also said they would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and cooperation with communities to prevent violent crime and uncover criminal activities in the state.
