Anambra Police have arrested the main suspect behind the 2024 beheading of a 69-year-old woman in Umuleri.
Authorities say the killing stemmed from a land dispute, with more arrests now underway.
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of the prime suspect linked to the brutal killing and beheading of a 69-year-old woman in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area, in 2024.
According to a statement issued on Sunday, October 5, 2025, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the breakthrough followed coordinated efforts between the police, the Nigerian military, and local security stakeholders in the area.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the killing was connected to a long-standing land dispute in Ogwu Nzu community. The victim was reportedly attacked and beheaded after testifying in favor of one of the parties involved in the ownership conflict. Police sources said the suspect allegedly used the victim’s head for ritual purposes as part of a plot to spiritually “fortify” themselves ahead of further confrontation over the disputed land.
The police also confirmed the arrest of two additional suspects, identified as Mr. Joseph Udezuo (popularly known as Boss) and Chukwuemeka Nworah (Odumodu), who were apprehended by community security stakeholders in Anambra East. The two suspects are expected to be handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commended the Nigerian military and local security networks for their collaboration, particularly acknowledging the efforts of Hon. Sir Chinweze Ifeanyichukwu, Chairman of Anambra East Local Government, whose intelligence support led to the major breakthrough.
Condemning the “senseless and barbaric” act, Orutugu reminded residents that land disputes are civil matters and should be resolved legally through the courts. He warned that resorting to violence or self-help only results in needless deaths and destruction.
The police chief reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to maintaining peace and security across Anambra State, urging residents to continue providing timely and credible information to law enforcement agencies.
He assured the public that all those involved in the heinous crime would face justice, stressing that the Command will remain relentless in its efforts to rid the state of violent crimes.
