By Tony Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 46-year-old man, Obadigbo Emmanuel Anumudu, identified as the prime suspect in the gruesome murder and beheading of Mrs. Obianuju Akubi, a 69-year-old woman killed in Umueri, Anambra East Local Government Area, in July 2024.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on credible intelligence, stormed Aguleri on October 4, 2025, and apprehended the suspect, who had allegedly been on the run for over a year.
Police sources said Anumudu, upon interrogation, confessed to the crime and provided information leading to the identification of other members of the gang who participated in the murder and beheading of the elderly woman. He reportedly also disclosed the whereabouts of the victim’s severed head, which was taken away after the incident.
“The suspect has made useful confessions and mentioned his accomplices. Efforts are in top gear to track down the remaining gang members to ensure justice is served,” SP Ikenga said.
The Anambra police spokesperson assured that further developments on the investigation will be made public as the Command continues its pursuit of the other suspects still at large.
Mrs. Akubi’s murder in 2024 sent shockwaves across Anambra East and neighbouring communities, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for swift justice.
Residents have commended the police for the breakthrough, expressing hope that the arrest would mark a turning point in the fight against violent crimes in the area.
