By PAMELA EBOH, Awka

It was a case of evil in broad daylight in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of Anambra State, as one Mr. Ifeanyi Nwankwo, 32, allegedly murdered his friend, Kelechi Madu, 56 after hiring two friends to do the dirty job.

Information has it that Nwankwo collected money from his late friend under the guise of assisting him to acquire a piece of land and in an effort to conceal the transaction killed him.

A statement issued by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), SP Tochukwu Ikenga said, "The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered the circumstances surrounding the gruesome murder of a 56-year-old man, Mr Kelechi Madu, in Awkuzu, Oyi Local Government Area of the state.

"Investigations revealed that the suspect allegedly obtained money fraudulently from the deceased under the guise of assisting him to acquire a piece of land.

“The revelation followed the arrest of his friend, Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, 32, who allegedly confessed to plotting the murder and engaging two other persons to execute the act."

According to Ikenga, a report received on August 18, 2026, from the wife of the deceased revealed that her husband had gone out on the evening of August 17, 2026, and had not returned home.

He said that police operatives, in collaboration with members of the local vigilante group and the deceased’s family, immediately commenced inquiries and a search operation to establish his whereabouts.

He added: "Later that evening, the wife returned to the police station in distress and reported that her husband had been found dead in a nearby bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.

"Police operatives immediately mobilised to the scene, where the deceased was found him lying lifeless with a deep axe wound to his head."

While saying that the corpse has been evacuated and deposited at a hospital for preservation, the Police spokesperson noted that in the course of the investigation, the Command arrested Mr Ifeanyi Nwankwo, a friend of the deceased, who allegedly confessed to his involvement in the planning and killing of Mr Kelechi Madu.

"In an attempt to conceal the alleged fraudulent transaction and suppress the money obtained from the deceased, the suspect reportedly hired two other persons to murder him.

“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, has directed that the investigation be intensified to identify and arrest all persons involved in the conspiracy and murder.

"The Command is determined to ensure that every person connected to the crime is brought to justice", the statement added.

The Command further assured the people of Anambra State that it will continue to strengthen intelligence-led policing and community partnership to prevent violent crimes, unravel criminal activities and ensure that the perpetrators of the crime face the full weight of the law.