By Adesakin Adefemi
The Anambra State Police Command announced on Monday the arrest of four additional suspects linked to the November 2025 kidnapping and murder of three Cameroonian women whose bodies were later recovered from a river in Anambra West.
The announcement, made by police spokesperson Tochukwu Ikenga, marks a significant breakthrough in a case that has gripped the state for months.
According to Ikenga, the breakthrough followed detailed confessions from two earlier detainees, whose information guided operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, to storm a hidden shrine in Nando, Anambra East, on February 13, 2026. The operation was meticulously planned, involving intelligence gathering and coordination with local vigilantes to ensure a swift and decisive entry.
During the raid, officers encountered roughly 30 heavily armed men who opened fire, resulting in a fierce gun duel that lasted several minutes. Four suspects were captured, including alleged chief priest Chukwuemeka Emmanuel (27), also known as “Ugoebenajah,” and three others: Nwabunne Bright (27), Chinecherem Chiama (21) and Michael Ekwunife (38).
One of the arrested men sustained a thigh wound and was immediately transported to a nearby hospital for treatment, while the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, managed to escape with other gang members, all of whom fled with bullet injuries.
A thorough search of the shrine yielded a cache of weapons and other items: two pump‑action guns, a locally made Beretta pistol, a machete, assorted charms, 10 live cartridges, five 9 mm rounds and various other ammunition, according to police. Investigators believe these weapons were used in the kidnapping and subsequent murder of the three victims, and that the shrine served as a base for planning and executing criminal activities.
The three victims, whose decomposing bodies were found floating in a river days after their disappearance, had been reported missing for weeks, prompting a state‑wide investigation that initially netted two suspects, Nonso Augustine Akpeh (37) and Kingsley Akpeh (44).
Forensic analysis of the recovered bodies and crime scene evidence has been instrumental in linking the suspects to the crime, and police say they are building a solid case for prosecution.
Ikenga emphasized that the arrested individuals are undergoing intensive interrogation and that efforts to apprehend the remaining fleeing gang members are ongoing. “We remain committed to ensuring safety and security for all residents, and we will not rest until every perpetrator of this heinous crime is brought to justice,” he added. The police have also increased patrols and surveillance in areas known for criminal hideouts, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future.
Community leaders in Nando expressed relief at the police action but urged authorities to intensify surveillance around shrines and remote locations often used by criminal networks. They called for community policing initiatives and better collaboration between residents and law enforcement to root out criminal elements.
The case has drawn national attention, with human‑rights groups calling for swift prosecution and for measures to protect foreign nationals residing in Nigeria. Civil society organizations have also highlighted the need for better support and protection for vulnerable groups, including migrants and refugees, who may be targeted by criminal gangs.
Police have appealed to the public for any information that could aid the investigation, promising that further updates will be released as the case progresses.
They have set up dedicated hotlines and encouraged citizens to report suspicious activities, emphasizing that community cooperation is crucial in the fight against crime.
As the investigation continues, the Anambra State Police Command remains focused on delivering justice for the victims and their families, and on restoring peace and security to the affected communities.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and collaboration in tackling crime, and of the need for sustained efforts to protect all members of society.
