By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

The Anambra State Police Command on Thursday announced its success in uncovering the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and murder of a 33-year-old woman in Oraifite community, Ekwusigo Local Government Area of the state.

According to a statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the Command has arrested two suspects in connection with the crime.

He said that the suspects, all males, include 26-year-old Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara and 20-year-old Makuochukwu Uzoigwe.

Giving insight on the matter, Ikenga explained that the case originated on 13th March, 2026, when the deceased’s mother reported her missing at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters.

He added: "The following day, 14th March, 2026, the lifeless body of an unidentified female was discovered inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite.

"The deceased’s father later identified the body as that of his missing daughter.

"Following the transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka for a comprehensive investigation, the Operatives leveraging on intelligence and digital forensic leads through sustained efforts eventually arrested the two suspects on 6th June, 2026.

"During interrogation, the principal suspect, Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, confessed to the murder. He stated that he had been in a relationship with the deceased for about three years and claimed he was unaware that she was married."

The Police Spokesman further said that the suspect 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 statement added: "The suspect confessed that on 13th March, 2026, he lured the deceased to his residence under the guise of seeking help due to illness.

"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.

"Both suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations."

While reaffirming the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of crime, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, hailed the detectives for their resilience and professionalism in uncovering the Case.

He also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of crime.