A 46 years old man, Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu has been apprehended for allegedly beheading a 69-year-old woman.
He was arrested by operatives of the Anambra State Police Command attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, after being on the run for over one year.
The crime was committed in July 2024.
The spokesperson for Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga in a press release said the suspect confessed to the crime upon interrogation.
He added that two other of his accomplices have been arrested by member of Anambra State Vigilante named Agunechemba, but were yet to be handed over to the police.
He said: "He (Anumudu) was arrested acting on credible information, on 4th October 2025 at Aguleri. The suspect had allegedly been on the run since 22nd July 2024 after he gruesomely murdered and beheaded late Mrs. Obianuju Akubi, a 69 year old woman in Umuleri.
"During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and further mentioned members of his gang who participated in the murder and beheading. He also disclosed the whereabouts of the victim’s head, which was taken away after the heinous act."
He spoke further that: "The Anambra State Police Command wishes to inform the general public that preliminary investigation reveals that the murder was connected to a land dispute at Ogwu Nzu.
"It was gathered that after the victim testified in favour of one of the parties over ownership of the disputed land, the suspect allegedly beheaded her and used her head for ritual purposes in a bid to fortify themselves for the conquest of the land.
"Meanwhile, two additional suspects, identified as Mr. Joseph Udezuo (AKA Boss) and Chukwuemeka Nworah (AKA Odumodu), have also been arrested by local security stakeholders and are awaiting formal handover to the Police for further investigation and possible prosecution."
He quoted the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu as condemning the senseless and barbaric act, while cautioning that land cases are pure civil cases and persons involved should always be patient with the court proceedings rather than resorting to self-help.
He thanked the Nigerian Military and the security stakeholders in Anambra East Local Government Area, particularly the Chairman, Hon. Chinweze Ifeanyichukwu, who he said collaborated and volunteered timely intelligence that led to the arrests.
