The Anambra State Police Command has uncovered the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and murder of a 33-year-old woman in Oraifite, leading to the arrest of two suspects three months after the crime was committed.
The suspects, identified as 26-year-old Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara and 20-year-old Makuochukwu Uzoigwe, were arrested following an intensive investigation by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the case began on March 13, 2026, when the deceased’s mother reported her missing at the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters. A day later, the lifeless body of an unidentified woman was discovered inside a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop in Oraifite. The victim was subsequently identified by her father as his missing daughter.
Following the transfer of the case to the SCID for further investigation, detectives employed intelligence gathering and digital forensic analysis to track down those responsible for the crime. Their efforts culminated in the arrest of the two suspects on June 6, 2026.
During interrogation, the principal suspect, Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, reportedly confessed to the murder. He told investigators that he had been in a relationship with the deceased for about three years and claimed he was unaware that she was married.
The suspect further alleged that after a disagreement with the deceased’s husband, he developed a mysterious illness that affected his eyesight. Driven by resentment, he said he planned the attack.
Police said the suspect confessed that on March 13, 2026, he lured the victim to his residence under the pretense of seeking assistance because of his illness. Upon her arrival, he and the second suspect allegedly attacked her with a machete, resulting in her death.
The suspects then reportedly disposed of her body in a culvert near Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite, during the early hours of the following day.
The Police Command stated that both suspects have confessed to their involvement in the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Commending the detectives for their professionalism and persistence, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, reaffirmed the command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims of crime and bringing perpetrators to book.
