Police Arrest Five Over Alleged Murder of Anambra Community Leader

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested five suspects over the alleged murder of Emmanuel Nwanneniya, a former Chairman and land agent of Ikem Nando Community in Anambra State, following a dispute over the management of proceeds from the sale of community land.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Force said operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) carried out the arrests on the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

According to the police, investigations indicate that the suspects allegedly used a restricted veterinary sedative, identified as S.P.L. Ketamine Hydrochloride 500mg/10ml, during the attack on the deceased.

Investigators also alleged that the killing was linked to a long standing disagreement over funds realised from community land sales. Police said one of the community’s three clans reportedly received about ₦39 million, which the majority of residents resolved should be invested in the construction of a community hall and other development projects.

The police alleged that opposition to the decision led to prolonged hostility, threats, and intimidation of community leaders who supported the project.

According to investigators, the suspects allegedly lured Nwanneniya to a meeting under the guise of discussing a land transaction. He was reportedly overpowered, restrained, injected with the sedative, and forced to surrender access to his mobile phone and banking applications.

Police said the victim’s wife alerted investigators after her husband failed to return home. She later found him unconscious at the agreed meeting point, a development that provided a major breakthrough in the investigation.

During the parade of the suspects in Abuja, community leaders claimed that the deceased and other prominent residents had received repeated threats before the incident. They urged security agencies to ensure that everyone connected to the alleged conspiracy is brought to justice.

Speaking during the parade, the Coordinator of the Special Tactical Squad, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, described the arrests as a success for intelligence led policing. He also called on the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other regulatory agencies to strengthen control over restricted substances to prevent their misuse by criminal elements.