By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Operatives of the Anambra State Police Command have arrested two suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a 33-year-old woman in Oraifite, located within the Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state.
The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara and 20-year-old Makuochukwu Uzoigwe, allegedly killed the victim before dumping her lifeless body in a culvert near the popular Jesus Bus Stop in the community.
Disclosing the development in a press statement on Wednesday, the command’s spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, revealed that the breakthrough followed intensive intelligence gathering and digital forensic leads by detectives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka.
According to the police, the tragic case began unfolding on March 13, 2026, when the deceased’s mother reported her missing at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters. The following day, March 14, her body was discovered in the culvert and was subsequently identified by her father. Following months of sustained trailing, the police finally caught up with the suspects on June 6, 2026.
During interrogation, the principal suspect, Ikwugwara, confessed to the murder. He stated that he had been in a romantic relationship with the deceased for about three years and claimed he was entirely unaware that she was married.
“He further alleged that after a disagreement with the deceased’s husband, he developed a strange illness which affected his sight and, out of resentment, plotted the attack,” the police statement noted.
Driven by vengeance, Ikwugwara confessed that on March 13, 2026, he lured the woman to his residence under the guise of needing her help due to his failing health.
“Upon her arrival, he and the second suspect allegedly attacked her with a machete, resulting in her death. The suspects subsequently disposed of the body in a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite, in the early hours of the following day,” the statement further revealed.
Meanwhile, the police have confirmed that both suspects have confessed to their roles in the crime. “Both suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations,” Ikenga added.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the detectives for their resilience and professionalism in cracking the case, while reaffirming the command’s unwavering commitment to ensuring justice for all victims of crime.
