Anambra Police Arrest Two Over Killing of Three Family Members, Bodies Recovered in Shallow Grave

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested two men in connection with the killing of three relatives whose bodies were later found in a shallow grave in Ukpor, Nnewi South Local Government Area.

According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspects were apprehended by operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Awkuzu, on May 3, 2026. They were identified as Emmanuel Nnabueze Nnakezie (33) and Clement Nnaekezie (69).

The arrests followed an investigation launched after reports of the victims’ disappearance. Acting on intelligence, police tracked and detained the suspects in separate locations in Oba and Ukpor.

During questioning, both men reportedly admitted involvement in the incident and guided officers to the burial site where the bodies were recovered.

The victims have been identified as Robert Nnakezie (67), Ikechukwu Obi (14), and Ukamaka Efione (2), who was said to have been visiting the family during the school holiday period.

Their remains have been exhumed and transferred to a morgue for autopsy.

Preliminary findings suggest the incident may be linked to a dispute over ownership of a bitter kola tree and other inherited land assets.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable. He also assured that the suspects would be prosecuted once investigations are concluded.