…TWO ADDITIONAL ACCOMPLICES APPREHENDED, LINKED TO LAND DISPUTE IN UMULERI
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the prime suspect allegedly involved in the brutal beheading of a 69-year-old woman in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, an incident that shocked the state in 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the latest breakthrough follows collaborative efforts between the Police, the Nigerian Military, and local security stakeholders in Anambra East.
Preliminary investigations, the Command revealed, indicate that the murder was linked to a protracted land dispute at Ogwu Nzu, where the deceased had reportedly testified in favour of one of the parties involved in the ownership tussle. The prime suspect allegedly carried out the gruesome act and used the victim’s head for ritual purposes in an attempt to “fortify” himself and his associates for dominance over the disputed land.
Two More Suspects in Custody
The Police further disclosed that two additional suspects — Mr. Joseph Udezuo (aka Boss) and Chukwuemeka Nworah (aka Odumodu) — were apprehended by local security operatives in connection with the crime. Both suspects are currently in custody, awaiting formal handover to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, MNIPS, PhD, condemned the act as “senseless and barbaric,” while commending the Nigerian Military and community security stakeholders, particularly the Chairman of Anambra East Local Government, Hon. Sir Chinweze Ifeanyichukwu, for their intelligence support and operational collaboration that led to the arrests.
CP Orutugu Warns Against Self-Help in Land Disputes
CP Orutugu reiterated that land disputes are civil matters and cautioned individuals and groups against resorting to violence or self-help measures.
“Land cases should be resolved through the courts. Taking the law into one’s hands only leads to unnecessary loss of lives and destruction of property,” he warned.
The Commissioner further reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across Anambra State. He urged residents to remain vigilant and continue sharing credible and timely information with the Police and other security agencies to help sustain the current safety efforts.
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