By Onwe Wisdom| Pan Afric Reporters
The Anambra State Police Command has announced the arrest of the prime suspect in the gruesome beheading of a 69-year-old woman at Umuleri in 2024, marking a major breakthrough in the case that shocked the state.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command revealed that “preliminary investigation shows that the murder was connected to a land dispute at Ogwu Nzu.” According to the findings, the victim was allegedly targeted after she testified in favor of one of the parties in the ownership tussle.
Ikenga disclosed that the suspect “beheaded her and used her head for ritual purposes in a bid to fortify themselves for the conquest of the land.”
The statement further confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects Mr. Joseph Udezuo (aka Boss) and Chukwuemeka Nworah (aka Odumodu) who were apprehended by local security stakeholders and are “awaiting formal handover to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.”
Expressing gratitude for the collaboration that led to the arrests, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc MNIPS PhD, commended the Nigerian Military and security stakeholders in Anambra East, particularly the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government, Hon. Sir Chinweze Ifeanyichukwu, for their timely intelligence and support.
The CP, who described the act as “senseless and barbaric,” reminded residents that “land cases are purely civil matters” and urged individuals and groups to “be patient with court proceedings rather than resorting to self-help, as such actions only lead to avoidable loss of lives and property.”
Reassuring the public of ongoing efforts to maintain peace and order, CP Orutugu emphasized that the Police remain “unwaveringly committed to ensuring the safety and security of lives and property across Anambra State.” He called on citizens to continue providing “timely and credible information” to aid the Police and other security agencies in their operations.
The Command extended appreciation to the Nigerian Military and local vigilante operatives for their role in apprehending the suspects, noting that “their cooperation was pivotal in achieving this significant breakthrough.”
