Anambra Police have made a major breakthrough in the alleged murder of 56-year-old Kelechi Madu in Awkuzu, arresting three suspects after investigators linked the killing to an alleged land transaction.
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the alleged murder of 56-year-old Kelechi Madu in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement on Friday in Awka, saying the investigation uncovered the circumstances surrounding Madu’s death following the arrest and interrogation of his friend.
According to the police, the victim was allegedly killed after his friend, identified in reports as 32-year-old Ifeanyi Nwankwo, allegedly obtained money from him under the guise of helping him acquire a piece of land.
Police said Nwankwo allegedly confessed to plotting the murder and engaging two other people to carry out the killing.
The incident occurred on August 17, 2026, in Awkuzu. Madu’s wife subsequently reported him missing after he left home on the evening of the same day and failed to return. Police operatives, working with local vigilantes and members of the deceased’s family, launched a search for him.
The search later ended in tragedy when Madu’s body was discovered in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.
Ikenga said the deceased was found with a deep axe wound to the head. His remains were evacuated and deposited in a morgue for preservation.
Preliminary investigations, according to the police, indicate that Nwankwo allegedly obtained money from Madu fraudulently while claiming to assist him in acquiring a parcel of land.
Investigators believe the suspect allegedly organised the killing in an attempt to conceal the transaction and suppress information relating to the money obtained from the deceased.
The police said the arrest of Nwankwo and the subsequent investigation led to the apprehension of two other suspects allegedly connected to the crime.
Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify and apprehend every person allegedly involved in the conspiracy and killing.
The command said it remains committed to bringing all persons found culpable to justice.
Ikenga also assured residents that the police would continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and partnerships with local communities to prevent violent crimes, uncover criminal activities and ensure that offenders face the full weight of the law.
The case has also highlighted the potential dangers surrounding fraudulent land transactions, with police continuing investigations to establish the full circumstances behind the alleged financial dispute and subsequent killing.
Visit GMTNewsng for more news stories.
