Man Allegedly Hires Killers to Murder Friend After Alleged Land Fraud

 

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

The suspect was arrested following investigations into the disappearance and subsequent death of Madu, whose lifeless body was discovered in a bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu, with a deep wound to his head allegedly inflicted with an axe.

The development was disclosed by the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement issued on Thursday.

According to the police, Madu was reported missing by his wife on August 18 after he left his residence on the evening of August 17 and failed to return home.

Concerned about his whereabouts, the victim’s family, in collaboration with police operatives and members of a local vigilante group, commenced a search for him.

The search reportedly took a tragic turn when Madu’s wife returned to the police station to inform officers that her husband had been found dead in a bush in the Umuobi area of Awkuzu.

Following the report, police operatives were immediately deployed to the scene, where they confirmed the discovery of the victim’s lifeless body. He was said to have sustained a deep cut to the head.

The command subsequently commenced a detailed investigation aimed at determining the circumstances surrounding the killing and identifying those responsible.

Investigators later arrested Nwankwo, who, according to the police, allegedly confessed to his involvement in the planning and execution of the murder.

The police said preliminary findings indicated that the incident may have stemmed from an alleged fraudulent land transaction involving the suspect and the deceased.

Ikenga stated that Nwankwo allegedly obtained money from Madu under the guise of assisting him to acquire a piece of land.

However, after allegedly receiving the money, the suspect reportedly became concerned that the deceased might demand a refund or expose the alleged fraudulent transaction.

In an attempt to allegedly conceal the transaction and prevent Madu from recovering his money, Nwankwo was said to have hired two other individuals to eliminate the deceased.

The police spokesman said the investigation was still ongoing, while efforts were being intensified to identify, locate and arrest the other persons allegedly involved in the conspiracy.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has reportedly directed the investigative team to thoroughly investigate the case and ensure that every person connected to the alleged murder is brought before the law.

The command also assured the public that all necessary steps would be taken to establish the full circumstances surrounding Madu’s death and bring all those found culpable to justice.

The police urged members of the public with useful information about the alleged accomplices or the circumstances surrounding the murder to assist investigators as the probe continues.

The case has once again highlighted the dangers associated with fraudulent financial and land transactions, as well as the need for parties involved in property dealings to conduct proper verification and documentation before releasing substantial sums of money.

Police investigations are continuing, and the allegations against the suspects are yet to be tested in court.