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.

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The Anambra State Government has unveiled plans to develop a mass housing policy through partnerships with private-sector investors as part of efforts to address the state’s growing housing deficit and rising rental costs.

The decision was among key resolutions reached at the second meeting of the Anambra State Executive Council (ANSEC) during the second term of Governor Chukwuma Soludo, held at the Government House, Awka.

In a statement, the Commissioner for Information and Value Reformation, Law Mefor, said the council expressed concern over increasing housing shortages and escalating rents across the state.

According to him, the government resolved to address the supply side of the housing market by increasing housing stock through public-private partnership (PPP) arrangements.

“The Council decried the housing deficit in Anambra State and resolved to address the supply side of the market to tackle the twin challenges of rising house rents and inadequate housing availability,” Mefor stated.

As part of broader governance reforms, the council also approved a policy requiring companies seeking government contracts to provide evidence of tax compliance as a prequalification condition for future bidding processes.

The government said the measure is aimed at ensuring businesses benefiting from public contracts contribute fairly to the state’s revenue generation efforts.

In another policy decision, the council directed greater involvement of academics and professionals from state-owned universities in the planning, implementation and evaluation of government projects.

Officials said the initiative would strengthen collaboration between government institutions and academia while promoting the application of research-based solutions to public sector challenges.

The council also approved plans to introduce legislation regulating the scrap metal industry and protecting public infrastructure from vandalism.

Under the proposed law, scrap dealers, including operators handling end-of-life vehicles, will be required to obtain licences before conducting business in the state.

The government said the move was necessitated by increasing cases of vandalism and theft of public assets.

Meanwhile, the council approved several infrastructure and public service projects across the state.

Among them is the award of an N801.7 million contract to Lebtech Construction Limited for the construction of a floodwater diversion channel at Ezioko in Oko-Nanka, Orumba North Local Government Area.

The council also approved N279.5 million for the supply and installation of medical equipment and accessories at General Hospital, Oroma Etiti, with the contract awarded to Calyzid Ventures.

In addition, N92.7 million was approved for landscaping and external works at Nwafor Orizu College of Education, Nsugbe, with the project awarded to Ozoh United Ventures Nigeria Limited.

During the meeting, council members observed a minute of silence in honour of the late Chikadibia Isaac Obiakor, a retired Lieutenant General and former United Nations Military Adviser for Peacekeeping Operations.

The government said the latest decisions form part of ongoing efforts by the Soludo administration to strengthen governance, expand infrastructure development and address socio-economic challenges facing residents of the state.

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The Anambra State Government has enforced salary deductions for civil servants who failed to report to duty on Mondays, following through on its earlier warning against compliance with the sit-at-home directive observed in parts of the South-East.

The decision, which took effect in February salaries paid in early March, has sparked complaints from affected workers, many of whom reported substantial reductions in their take-home pay. The enforcement marks a shift from verbal warnings to financial penalties as the state moves to curb absenteeism linked to the weekly protest order.

Civil servants at the Jerome Udoji State Secretariat in Awka expressed frustration after receiving bank alerts reflecting significant deductions. Some workers claimed the cuts appeared disproportionate to the number of Mondays they were absent.

One staff member in the Ministry of Information, who spoke anonymously, said he received just N3,500 from a salary exceeding N80,000. According to him, another colleague reportedly received only N100 as net pay after deductions were applied. Others said they experienced cuts of up to N10,000, even when they allegedly missed work only once or twice.

The state government had earlier announced in January that it would adopt a pro-rata salary structure, deducting wages for each Monday a worker failed to report physically to duty. The measure was presented as part of efforts to restore full administrative operations and counter the economic and institutional impact of the sit-at-home compliance.

Confirming the development, Commissioner for Information, Law Mefor, stated that the deductions were intentional and tied strictly to attendance verification records.

He explained that workers were required to clock in at the start of work and clock out at the end of the day every Monday. According to him, failure to complete both processes automatically indicated absence, regardless of whether a staff member was physically present.

The government maintains that the clock-in system was introduced to ensure accountability and provide verifiable proof of attendance. Officials argue that consistent absenteeism undermines governance delivery and weakens public sector productivity.

However, affected workers insist there may have been computational errors in applying the deductions. Some are calling for a review of the attendance logs and salary calculations to address what they describe as irregularities.

The sit-at-home order, originally enforced by separatist elements in the South-East, has had lingering effects on economic activities and public institutions in the region. While compliance has declined in some states, pockets of adherence remain, particularly among public servants concerned about security risks.

Policy analysts say Anambra’s strict enforcement strategy reflects a broader push by state authorities to normalize administrative operations and reduce economic losses. At the same time, labour observers warn that disputes over payroll deductions could trigger tensions if grievances are not transparently addressed.

The development places Anambra at the forefront of states adopting financial deterrence to combat sit-at-home absenteeism. Whether the measure will achieve sustained workplace compliance without escalating labour unrest remains to be seen.

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The Anambra State Government and traders at the Onitsha Main Market have reached an agreement to commence a phased remodelling of the market, aimed at upgrading infrastructure, restoring order, and repositioning the commercial hub to meet modern standards.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo disclosed this on Friday following an extensive dialogue with leaders and representatives of the Onitsha Main Market and adjoining markets at the Government House, Awka.

According to the governor, the engagement produced a consensus to begin immediate intervention works, with the remodelling to be carried out in phases to minimise disruption to trading activities.

Soludo said the decision reflects the need for leadership to sometimes take difficult but necessary actions in order to safeguard long-term economic sustainability.

“Leadership requires taking inconvenient decisions to secure the future,” the governor said, adding that the objective is to reposition Onitsha Main Market to compete at global standards.

Scope of the remodelling project

The governor outlined key components of the emergency intervention, which include the reclamation of market parks, restoration of walkways, and the construction of public conveniences to improve sanitation and ease of movement within the market.

Other aspects of the remodelling plan involve the repainting and colour-coding of shops and trading lines, as well as the removal of illegal structures that obstruct access routes and compromise safety.

Soludo explained that the initiative aligns with his administration’s broader urban development agenda, which prioritises planned, organised, and sustainable cities, communities, and markets across Anambra State.

He noted that Onitsha Main Market, one of the largest markets in West Africa, plays a critical role in the state’s economy and must be upgraded to support modern commerce, safety standards, and environmental sustainability.

Traders back phased approach

Earlier, the Chairman of Onitsha Main Market, Mr Chijioke Okpalugo, told the governor that traders had agreed to the phased remodelling approach proposed by the state government.

According to Okpalugo, traders recognised the need for improvements but stressed the importance of allowing adequate time to adjust to the changes.

He appealed to the state government to grant traders sufficient time to relocate goods and dismantle structures affected by the planned interventions, particularly those built illegally within restricted areas.

The phased approach, he said, would help traders continue their businesses while adjustments are being made, reducing economic losses and tension.

Balancing development and commerce

The remodelling agreement comes amid heightened sensitivities surrounding market operations in Onitsha, following previous disruptions linked to security concerns and sit-at-home directives in the South-East.

Governor Soludo emphasised that the current intervention is strictly developmental and not punitive, stressing that the goal is to create a safer, cleaner, and more organised trading environment for all stakeholders.

State officials say further consultations will continue with market unions and relevant agencies to ensure smooth implementation of the project.

When completed, the remodelling is expected to improve traffic flow, enhance safety, boost sanitation, and strengthen Onitsha Main Market’s position as a major commercial centre in Nigeria and the wider West African sub-region.

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Six National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members have sued the Anambra State Government for ₦1 billion over alleged assault and unlawful detention by the state vigilante group, Agunechemba.

The corps members — Jennifer Elohor, Greatness Oyeh, Eze Ikenna, Anighoro Godspower, Feyisara Amore, and Chimenum Wonodi, filed the suit at the Federal High Court, Awka.

They cited a viral August video showing armed vigilantes storming their lodge, beating them, and accusing them of being internet fraudsters. One victim, Elohor, was reportedly stripped naked despite showing her NYSC ID.

Through their lawyer, Cyrus Onu, they listed the state government, Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Attorney-General, and the vigilante group as respondents.

They are seeking ₦1 billion in damages and a public apology in national newspapers for the alleged violation of their fundamental rights.

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Aide to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lere Olayinka, has strongly criticised comments made by former Anambra State Governor and 2023 Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, following his recent visit to a public primary school in the nation’s capital.

Obi, who toured LEA Primary School in Kapwa, Abuja on Wednesday alongside African Democratic Congress (ADC) chairmanship candidate for Abuja Municipal Area Council, Dr. Moses Paul, described the school’s condition as “a national disgrace” that “exposes Nigeria’s hollow commitment to education.” According to him, the school lacked basic amenities such as chairs and toilets, highlighting what he termed a systemic neglect of public education.

“I am shocked by what I saw,” Obi told journalists. “As governor of Anambra State, I made it a point to visit every primary and secondary school. We invested in education, and I left public funds for the state when I left office something uncommon in our political culture.”

However, in a swift response on Thursday, Lere Olayinka, Senior Special Assistant on Public Communication and Social Media to the FCT Minister, accused Obi of engaging in “baseless criticism” aimed at garnering media attention. He dismissed the former governor’s remarks as politically motivated and lacking in substance.

“Mr. Obi has turned himself into a critic of everything including the most ridiculous matters just to stay in the headlines,” Olayinka said in a statement. “The FCT Administration under Minister Nyesom Wike has awarded 102 contracts for school renovations. Of these, 21 schools have been fully renovated, and work is ongoing in 73 others across the six Area Councils.”

Olayinka went further, alleging that Obi failed to address similar infrastructure challenges during his own tenure as governor. He questioned Obi’s track record in Anambra, accusing him of financial mismanagement and prioritising savings over investment in education and infrastructure.

“If he had indeed performed the same ‘magic’ in Anambra that he claims he can perform nationwide, the state would today be a reference point for development,” Olayinka asserted. “Instead, Anambra is still dealing with the aftermath of eight years of misgovernance.”

In a sharply worded critique, the minister’s aide also questioned Obi’s political future, referring to him as an “internally displaced politician seeking a permanent abode in the media space.” He mocked the former presidential candidate’s campaign messaging and challenged him to demonstrate tangible development results from his time in office.

“It is amusing that someone who lacks a clear political platform heading into 2027 continues to sell the idea of national transformation within four years,” Olayinka added. “What did he transform in Anambra in eight?”

As the exchange highlights growing political tensions ahead of the 2027 general elections, it also reflects broader national conversations about governance, infrastructure, and the role of opposition figures in holding administrations accountable.

Both Obi and the FCT Administration have yet to announce further steps regarding the condition of the Kapwa school, but the incident underscores the contentious and highly scrutinized landscape of public education reform in Nigeria.

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Tension flared in Enugwu-Agidi, Njikoka Local Government Area of Anambra State, on Friday, as thousands of angry women; mostly elderly and middle-aged, stormed the streets in a massive protest against what they described as “rampant land grabbing” and “abuse of power” by their community President-General (PG), Mr. Ebuka Onuorah.

Armed with placards and chanting protest songs, the women marched through the town demanding urgent intervention from the Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo. They warned that the situation, if unchecked, could escalate into a full-blown crisis.

“The PG wants to turn us into refugees in our own community,” lamented Mrs. Grace Aghauche, Women Leader and Chairlady of Etiti village. “We cannot be Internally Displaced Persons on our ancestral land because of his land grabbing activities.”

Aghauche accused Onuorah of abandoning the community’s constitution, imposing leadership structures, and silencing dissent. “He is intimidating women, and all our efforts to make the authorities listen to us have been scuttled. We’ve written several petitions, but nothing has been done. Every day, he encroaches further into our land, sharing it among a select few,” she added. “We want the PG removed over these notorious acts. We’re begging our governor to step in now so that peace can return.”

Another protester, Mrs. Chinwe Udo, painted a bleak picture of the economic toll of the alleged land sales. “Our ancestral farmlands are being sold off indiscriminately. We can’t even go to farm anymore, there’s no land left,” Udo said. “The PG uses security operatives to harass anyone who questions him. We’re living in fear. We need the governor to act quickly.”

The women also raised alarm over disruptions to sacred cultural practices, particularly in Etiti village, where they allege that burial and funeral rites have been tampered with.

Reacting to the protest, the traditional ruler of Enugwu-Agidi, His Royal Highness Igwe Michael Chidozie Okekeuche, through his Chief Press Secretary, Ichie Ifeanyi Ndulue, acknowledged the women’s grievances and assured them that steps were being taken to address their concerns.

“We are witnessing what no community should ever endure,” the monarch said. “Allegations of rampant land grabbing, abuse of power by those entrusted with leadership, and the imposition of parallel leadership structures allegedly fueled by the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Nigeria, are deeply troubling.”

He urged calm and restraint, reminding citizens that Enugwu-Agidi’s heritage is rooted in peace and brotherhood. “Your cry has been heard. But let us also remember: anger is not our tradition; violence is not our heritage,” the monarch emphasized. “Let us not allow chaos to consume what generations before us labored to build.”

Citing his powers under the Enugwu-Agidi Brotherly Union Constitution and the Anambra State Traditional Rulers Law of 2007, the Igwe promised that a resolution would be pursued through dialogue and lawful means.

In a brief response, Mr. Ebuka Onuorah denied all the allegations leveled against him. “All those allegations are lies,” he said. “I am not a land grabber. I don’t even belong to the land committee. If they have grievances, they should channel them to the appropriate body.”

Despite Onuorah’s denial, the atmosphere in Enugwu-Agidi remains tense, with protesters vowing to continue their demonstrations until action is taken.

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The Ministry of Environment announced the programme in a public notice dated June 17. The move aims to improve the visual appeal and environmental health of cities such as Awka, Onitsha, Nkpor, Nnewi, and Ekwulobia.

Starting July 1, inspection teams will begin visiting properties. Officials will focus on buildings that have not been painted in more than ten years or are visibly deteriorating. According to Commissioner for Environment Felix Odimegwu, the exercise will help improve public spaces and strengthen the quality of urban life.

The policy is backed by the Anambra State Environmental Management, Protection and Administration Law of 2024. This law gives the state authority to enforce rules on property maintenance in public-facing areas, known locally as anyaora zones.

Property owners and organisations with buildings in these areas must repaint or renovate their premises to avoid penalties. The ministry explained that clean and well-maintained buildings are essential for creating a livable and eco-friendly environment.

The directive has drawn sharp criticism from opposition figures. George Moghalu, the Labour Party’s gubernatorial candidate, condemned the move. He described it as oppressive and disconnected from the current economic reality.

According to Moghalu, the administration is failing in key areas such as infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation. He said it was unfair for the government to demand cosmetic changes while ignoring deeper issues. He also questioned whether the government had provided any form of support to help citizens comply.

Moghalu stressed that urban renewal must be built on consultation and fairness. He called for the immediate suspension of the directive and urged the government to engage with local communities and stakeholders.

Although he supports clean cities and environmental progress, he warned that policies must be people-focused, not punitive. Without financial support or public dialogue, he argued, the programme risks alienating the very citizens it claims to serve.

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According to reports, the fire erupted from one end of the building and rapidly spread, engulfing the entire structure before firefighters arrived. Although no lives were lost, significant property damage was recorded.

Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene, with residents scrambling to contain the blaze and assist fire personnel who struggled to reach the building due to obstructed access roads and difficult terrain.

“The fire started suddenly and quickly escalated. The firefighters faced serious challenges because the area is congested and inaccessible to their trucks,” said a local resident who witnessed the incident.

In a statement issued Wednesday, the Anambra State Fire Service, through its Media and Publicity Unit led by Fire Chief Chukwudi Chiketa, confirmed that two firefighting units and trucks were dispatched after a distress call was received.

“Due to poor road access and the dense layout of the area, our trucks couldn’t get close to the building. Firefighters had to connect hoses across a long distance—approximately four utility poles—to battle the flames,” Chiketa said.

Despite the obstacles, the fire was eventually brought under control. The cause of the incident remains under investigation.

The fire service used the incident to highlight the ongoing risk posed by poorly planned urban areas. “This situation underscores the urgent need for proper access roads in residential zones. Communities must prioritise emergency access routes to support timely intervention during crises,” Chiketa added.

He also urged community leaders, landlords, and residents to work with authorities to ensure safer environments, warning that blocked or narrow roads continue to hinder emergency response in many urban centres across the state.

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This was revealed by the Managing Director of ASHDC, Chief Chike Anyaonu, during the inauguration of the newly elected executive of the Onitsha Bridgehead Housing Estate, led by Chairman Chief Obiorah Chukwuemeka Egbuna.

Speaking at the event in Onitsha South Local Government Area, Anyaonu stated that the move became necessary due to the significant revenue shortfall resulting from non-payment of property rates by residents across multiple housing estates. He emphasized that residents cannot expect infrastructural development while failing to fulfill their financial obligations to the state.

“If payments are not made within the next one month, the corporation will have no choice but to begin enforcement actions,” Anyaonu warned.

He urged the new estate leadership to collaborate with the state government in revenue collection and praised their victory as a vote of confidence from the residents. Anyaonu also called on them to mobilize support for Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s second term to ensure continued infrastructural improvements in the area.

In his acceptance speech, Chairman Egbuna extended an olive branch to his opponents and stressed unity as a foundation for development. He revealed that reconciliation efforts had already begun, and several inherited disputes from the previous administration were being resolved amicably.

Also speaking at the event, Hon. Emma Ekelobe, President of the Onitsha Estate Investment Cooperative (ONEICO), and former candidate Hon. Ikedim Ikegwuonu expressed confidence in Egbuna’s leadership and pledged their full support for the estate’s progress.

The ASHDC’s renewed focus on revenue enforcement is part of a broader effort to revitalize estate infrastructure and enhance service delivery in Anambra State.

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