'Chief Priest' among those captured as operatives trace murder investigation to Nando shrine following confession of earlier detainees
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the November 2025 kidnapping and murder of three Cameroonian nationals, following a fierce gun battle at a shrine in the Nando community.
The arrests mark the latest breakthrough in an investigation that began with the discovery of decomposing bodies floating in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area last year, according to police spokesman Tochukwu Ikenga.
The Shrine Raid
Operatives from the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, acting on intelligence gleaned from two suspects already in custody, stormed a shrine in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area, on February 13, 2026. What they encountered was not passive resistance.
"On approaching the shrine, about 30 able-bodied men were observed gathered at the premises. Upon sighting the Police, the armed men opened fire on the operatives," Ikenga stated.
The police team returned fire professionally, engaging the armed group in a gun duel that saw several suspects flee with bullet wounds. One arrested suspect sustained a leg injury and is currently receiving medical treatment under police guard.
The Suspects
Among those captured is Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, 27, also known as "Ugoebenajah," described by police as the alleged Chief Priest of the shrine. Also arrested are Nwabunne Bright (27), Chinecherem Chiama (21), and Michael Ekwunife (38).
The prime suspect, identified as Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped alongside other gang members despite sustaining bullet wounds. Police say efforts are ongoing to track them down.
Recovered Items
A search of the shrine and suspects yielded a significant cache of weapons and ritual materials, including:
- Two pump-action guns
- One locally made Beretta pistol
- One machete
- Assorted charms
- Expanded ammunition
- Ten live cartridges
- Five live 9mm ammunition rounds
The Trail of Bodies
The investigation traces back to November 2025, when three Cameroonian women were reported missing, raising suspicions of kidnapping. Days later, police operatives discovered decomposing female bodies floating in a river in Anambra West Local Government Area, believed to be the missing nationals.
Two suspects—Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44—were initially arrested and had been assisting with information while a third suspect remained at large. Their confessions ultimately led investigators to the Nando shrine.
What's Next
All arrested suspects are currently undergoing interrogation as police work to unravel the full scope of the criminal network responsible for the kidnappings and murders. Ikenga assured that the command remains committed to ensuring the safety and security of all residents, urging the public to continue providing useful information that will aid ongoing investigations.
"Further developments will be communicated in due course," he added.
For the families of the three Cameroonian victims, justice remains elusive—but with each arrest, the circle around their killers tightens.
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