Gladness Gideon
Tragedy struck Amudo Village in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, as police apprehended 49-year-old Nnamdi Anyaji for the alleged murder of his 68-year-old mother, Dorathy Anyaji.
The incident, which occurred on Friday, April 11, 2025, reportedly stemmed from a heated argument concerning the proceeds of a cassava business.
According to a press statement released on Sunday by the Anambra State Police Command spokesperson, Tochukwu Ikenga, Mr. Anyaji was arrested at approximately 1:40 PM after neighbours intervened to prevent him from taking his own life following the alleged parricide.
Authorities also recovered an axe from the scene of the crime, believed to be the weapon used in the fatal attack.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the dispute arose when the suspect accused his mother of financial impropriety regarding the earnings from their joint cassava venture. The altercation escalated, tragically culminating in the death of Mrs. Anyaji.
“Police operatives attached to the Ekwulobia Divisional Police Station on April 11, 2025 by 1.40pm, arrested one Nnamdi Anyaji ‘M’ aged 49 years of Amudo Village, Ekwulobia who attempted to take his own life after killing his mother Mrs Dorathy Anyaji of the same address aged 68 years,” stated Ikenga.
“The operatives also recovered one Axe at the scene. Preliminary information revealed that the squabble started when the suspect accused the deceased of being dishonest about the money realised from a cassava business.”
Mr. Anyaji is currently in police custody and is under close surveillance to prevent any further attempts at self-harm. Police spokesman Ikenga confirmed that the suspect will face charges in court upon the conclusion of the ongoing investigation.
In a separate operation highlighting the Anambra State Police Command’s efforts to combat crime, authorities announced the arrest of twelve individuals in Orumba North Local Government Area for the possession of illicit drugs.
Acting on credible intelligence, operatives from the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, Enugu-Ukwu, raided a suspected criminal drug camp in Umuokpala Village in the early hours of April 11.
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The operation resulted in the apprehension of twelve male suspects, aged between 20 and 29, who were allegedly involved in selling and consuming hard drugs.
A significant quantity of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp, other illicit substances, and incriminating items were recovered during the raid.
The arrested individuals were identified as Ifeanyi Bernard, Emmanuel Ugwu, Thankgod Kelechi, Umeh Chidera, Aguiyi Onyeka, Onyeka Martin, Festus Ihezie, Chibundu Nicholas, Solomon Obiefule, Chibundu Daniel, Neke Shedrack, and Nwazufu Kingsley.
According to Ikenga, the suspects and the recovered exhibits have been handed over to the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for further investigation and prosecution.
These two separate incidents underscore the diverse challenges faced by law enforcement in Anambra State, ranging from domestic disputes turning deadly to the ongoing battle against drug trafficking and substance abuse within the community.
The police command has reiterated its commitment to thorough investigations and ensuring that justice is served in both cases.