Police Begins Manhunt For Killers Of Anambra Businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekesi ‘Fish Magnet’

Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the gunmen who abducted and killed popular businessman Ifesinachi Onyekere, known locally as “Fish Magnet,” despite collecting a ransom for his release.

Onyekere, who was a son of an All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) chieftain in the state, was kidnapped from his home in Ezinifite, Okpuno, in Awka South LGA during a late-night raid last Saturday.

Witnesses said the attackers arrived around 10:30 pm in a grey Lexus SUV, broke into the compound, and shot the businessman in the leg before dragging him into his own car and driving off.

Sources said the gunmen escaped through bush paths toward Nawfia, firing shots into the air and leaving the community in panic.

It was gathered that local vigilante groups and security teams launched a search, and efforts were made to track the victim’s phone and reach the kidnappers.

He remained in captivity for three days, and even after the ransom was paid, the criminals killed him. His body was discovered by the roadside on Wednesday morning.

The source said, “The attackers arrived in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV at about 10:30 pm; forced their way into the compound, and fled the scene in the victim’s Toyota Corolla after shooting him in the leg.

“The assailants escaped through bush paths towards Nawfia, while firing gunshots into the air, thereby triggering panic in the area.

“Local volunteers and security watch groups who were contacted launched a search effort, while authorities are working to trace the victim’s phone and make contact with the kidnappers.

“He was in captivity for three days until a ransom was paid, but instead of setting him free, they ended his life. He was later found lifeless by the roadside this morning. He was young, hardworking, full of promise,  known for his passion and thriving fish business.”

Confirming the incident, Anambra Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga said the police recovered Onyekere’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, which the attackers used to flee, along the Ukwulu/Igbariam road.

Ikenga said, “The Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has directed all tactical and intelligence units to redouble their efforts in tracking down the armed men responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of Ifesinachi Onyekere, the Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, who was attacked in the evening of July 27, 2025, at his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka.

“This directive follows the recovery of the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, along Ukwulu/Igbariam road by the Joint Security Team comprising Anambra Vigilante operatives and the police.

“Preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants had trailed the victim before launching the violent attack, during which the deceased was shot in the leg and forcibly taken away.

“He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka.”

Ikenga said the Commissioner condemned the killing and promised that those responsible would be brought to justice.

He added that the police are committed to ensuring accountability and will provide further updates as the investigation progresses.

“He further stated that the police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the Law. Further developments will be communicated accordingly,” he added.

KanyiDaily had reported how Ifesinachi Onyekesi, popularly known as “Fish Magnet” was confirmed dead days after being kidnapped by unknown gunmen in Anambra State.