The Anambra State Police Command has announced a major breakthrough in a gruesome 2024 murder case with the arrest of the prime suspect, Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu, a 46-year-old man, for the beheading of 69-year-old Mrs. Obianuju Akubi in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.
The arrest was made on Saturday, October 4, 2025, by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, after receiving credible intelligence. The suspect had been on the run since the victim was gruesomely murdered on July 22, 2024.
According to the State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga:
- Confession and Complicity: During interrogation, Anumudu confessed to the crime and named other members of his gang who participated in the murder and beheading.
- Victim’s Head Recovered: The suspect also disclosed the location of the victim’s head, which had been taken away after the heinous act.
Following Anumudu’s arrest, two additional suspects, identified as Mr. Joseph Udezuo (aka Boss) and Chukwuemeka Nworah (aka Odumodu), were apprehended by local security stakeholders and are awaiting formal handover to the police.
The Commissioner of Police (CP) commended the local security stakeholders for their collaboration and used the opportunity to highlight the pervasive issue of land disputes fueling violent crime in the state.
Warning Against Self-Help: The PPRO reiterated the CP’s caution against resorting to self-help in civil matters, emphasizing that land cases are pure civil cases and should be resolved through court proceedings. “Such actions only lead to avoidable loss of lives and property,” he stated.
This case is the latest in a troubling pattern of land conflicts escalating to murder in Anambra, following incidents like the stabbing of a 65-year-old relative in Awka-Etiti and a 2024 protest in Ojoto over the alleged murder of a 69-year-old widow by her stepson, also linked to property issues.
The Command assured residents of its commitment to security and urged the public to continue providing timely and credible information to security agencies. Intensive efforts are ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining gang members implicated by Anumudu.
For marketing and advertising, or publishing your promotional content, contact us at [email protected]
