The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the abduction and murder of three Cameroonian nationals whose bodies were dumped in a river in the state last year.
Police investigations revealed that the victims were kidnapped, killed, and later thrown into a river in Anambra West, where their decomposing bodies were discovered days later by operatives.
In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said the fresh arrests followed confessions made by two suspects earlier taken into custody. Acting on the information, operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, raided a shrine in Nando, Anambra State, where the suspects were apprehended after a gun duel.
“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameroonian nationals in the state,” Ikenga said.
He identified the suspects as Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as Ugoebenajah (27), alleged to be a chief priest; Nwabunne Bright (27); Chinecherem Chiama (21); and Michael Ekwunife (38).
According to Ikenga, security operatives recovered two pump-action guns, a locally made Beretta pistol, a machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, 10 live cartridges and five live 9mm rounds during the operation.
“On approaching the shrine, about 30 able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. Upon sighting the police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives,” he said. “The police responded professionally, engaging them in a gun duel.”
He added that a prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped with other gang members, some of whom sustained bullet wounds. One of the arrested suspects was shot in the thigh during the exchange and is currently receiving treatment at a hospital.
Ikenga said the arrested suspects are undergoing interrogation, while efforts have been intensified to track down the fleeing members of the criminal network.
“The command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations,” he stated. “Further developments will be communicated in due course.”
The case dates back to last year when police announced the recovery of decomposing bodies believed to be those of kidnapped Cameroonian women from a river in Anambra West. At the time, Ikenga disclosed that three Cameroonian women had been missing, prompting an investigation that led to the arrest of Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44, while another suspect remained at large.
