The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and murder of a 33-year-old woman in Oraifite, leading to the arrest of two suspects nearly three months after the crime was committed.
The Command said the suspects, identified as 26-year-old Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara and 20-year-old Makuochukwu Uzoigwe, have confessed to their involvement in the killing and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
According to a statement issued on Wednesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the case began on March 13, 2026, when the victim’s mother reported her missing at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters.
The following day, the lifeless body of an unidentified woman was discovered inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop in Oraifite. The deceased was later identified by her father as his missing daughter.
The police spokesman disclosed that the matter was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for detailed investigation.
Following months of intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis, detectives tracked down and arrested the two suspects on June 6, 2026.
“Following the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a comprehensive investigation, the operatives, leveraging intelligence and digital forensic leads through sustained efforts, eventually arrested the two suspects on June 6, 2026,” Ikenga stated.
During interrogation, the principal suspect, Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, allegedly confessed to masterminding the murder.
According to the police, the suspect claimed he had been in a romantic relationship with the deceased for about three years and was unaware that she was married.
He further alleged that after an altercation involving the deceased’s husband, he developed a strange illness that affected his eyesight and subsequently harboured resentment against the victim.
Police said the suspect confessed that on March 13, he lured the woman to his residence under the pretext of seeking assistance because of his illness.
“The suspect further confessed that on March 13, 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 statement said.
The suspects were also accused of disposing of the victim’s body inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite, during the early hours of the following day.
Confirming the development, the police said both suspects have admitted their roles in the crime and are expected to face prosecution.
Commending the investigators for cracking the case, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, praised the detectives for their determination and professionalism.
“The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, commends the detectives for their resilience and professionalism in uncovering the case,” Ikenga stated.
The police commissioner also reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of crime and sustaining efforts to combat criminality across the state.
