Anambra police arrest suspect beheading 69-year-old woman

Anambra police arrest suspect beheading 69-year-old woman

Anambra State Police have arrested a prime suspect in the brutal beheading of a 69-year-old woman, a crime that occurred in July 2024 in Umuleri, Anambra East Local Government Area.

The suspect, identified as Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu, aged 46, was arrested on October 4, 2025 in Aguleri by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu. According to the police, he had been evading capture since July 22, 2024, after committing the gruesome act.

During interrogation, Anumudu allegedly confessed to beheading Mrs. Obianuju Akubi, and implicated other members of his gang in carrying out the crime. He also disclosed the location of the victim’s head, which had been removed after the act.

Investigations suggest the motive was tied to a land dispute in Ogwu Nzu. The suspect reportedly killed the elderly woman after she gave testimony in favour of one party in the ownership conflict. Two additional suspects, Joseph Udezuo (aka Boss) and Chukwuemeka Nworah (aka Odumodu), have been arrested by local security stakeholders and are expected to be formally handed over to the police for further prosecution.

The Anambra Police Command reaffirmed their commitment to seeing justice done in this case. The police spokesman noted that land matters are civil in nature and urged citizens to refrain from resorting to violence.