Two suspects have been detained by the Anambra State Police Command on suspicion of killing a 33-year-old woman and disposing of her body in a culvert close to Jesus Bus Stop, Oraifite, in the state’s Ekwusigo Local Government Area.
The woman was allegedly killed on March 13, 2026, after the accused, Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, 26, and Makuochukwu Uzoigwe, 20, enticed her to a house under the guise of asking for help.
This was revealed in a statement released on Wednesday by SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the command’s spokesperson.
According to Ikenga, the suspects were taken into custody by State Criminal Investigation Department agents after digital forensic examination and intelligence gathering connected them to the crime.
He claims that the investigation started on March 13, 2026, when the deceased’s mother went to the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters to report her missing.
“The Anambra State Police Command has successfully unraveled the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and murder of a 33-year-old woman and arrested two suspects in connection with the crime in Oraifite,” the statement said in part.
Thankgod Ikechukwu Ikwugwara, 26, and Makuochukwu Uzoigwe, 20, are the two male accused.
The case started on March 13, 2026, when the deceased’s mother went to the Oraifite Divisional Police Headquarters to report daughter missing.
The body of an unnamed woman was found within a culvert close to Jesus Bus Stop in Oraifite the next day, March 14, 2026. The deceased’s father subsequently determined that the body belonged to his daughter, who had gone missing.
“The two suspects were apprehended on June 6, 2026, after the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a thorough investigation. Operatives used intelligence and digital forensic leads through persistent efforts.”
Ikwugwara, the main suspect, allegedly confessed to arranging the murder during questioning, according to Ikenga.
The suspect stated that he had been dating the deceased for almost three years and was not aware that she was married, according to the police spokesperson.
He further claimed that following a dispute with the deceased’s spouse, he became ill in an unusual way that impaired his vision and, motivated by animosity, planned the attack.
The suspect admitted that on March 13, 2026, he enticed the dead to his home by pretending to be in need of medical attention due to his ailment.
“He and the second suspect allegedly assaulted her with a machete when she arrived, killing her. In the early hours of the next day, they disposed of the body in a culvert close to Jesus Bus Stop in Oraifite.
The statement went on, “Both suspects have admitted to their involvement in the crime and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.”
According to Ikenga, CP Ikioye Orutugu, the state’s commissioner of police, praised the detectives for their professionalism and tenacity in solving the case.
He continued by saying that the commissioner reiterated the command’s dedication to upholding efforts to cleanse the state of criminal elements and guaranteeing justice for victims of crime.
