Police Arrest Shrine Priest, Three Others For Killing 3 Cameroonian Women In Anambra

Anambra State Police Command has arrested four suspects over the killing of three Cameroonian women in the state.

It was gathered that the victims were abducted in November 2025 and later murdered.

Their bodies were allegedly thrown into a river in Anambra West Local Government Area.

Some days later, police operatives found their decomposing bodies floating on the river.

Following the discovery, the police launched an investigation which led to the arrest of two suspects who provided useful information connected to the case.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer, Tochukwu Ikenga, said information obtained from the two suspects already in custody led to the arrest of four additional men on February 13, 2026.

According to him, the suspects were picked up at a shrine in Nando, Anambra East Local Government Area, after a shootout with security operatives.

The operation was carried out by officers attached to the Rapid Response Squad in Awkuzu.

The statement read in part, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested four additional suspects in connection with the murder of three Cameroonian nationals in the State.

“The suspects, all males, include the alleged Chief Priest of a shrine, Chukwuemeka Emmanuel, also known as “Ugoebenajah,” aged 27 years, alongside Nwabunne Bright (27 years), Chinecherem Chiama (21 years) and Michael Ekwunife (38 years) respectively.

“The team also recovered two pump-action guns, one locally made Beretta pistol, one machete, assorted charms, expanded ammunition, 10 live cartridges and five live 9mm ammunition in Nando community, Anambra East Local Government Area.

“This feat was recorded on February 13, 2026. Given the confession of the two earlier arrested suspects in custody, the Command Operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad Awkuzu swiftly mobilised to the identified shrine in Nando.

“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.

“The Police operatives responded professionally, engaging the armed men in a gun duel. While the prime suspect, Uchenna Mmaduamaka Nicholas, a native of Oroma Etiti Anam, escaped alongside other gang members with bullet wounds.

“Also, during the gun battle, one of the arrested armed suspects sustained a bullet injury on the thigh and was immediately taken to a hospital, where he is currently receiving medical treatment.”

The police said the arrested men are being questioned, while efforts are ongoing to track down the remaining members of the group.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all residents and urges members of the public to continue to provide useful information that will aid ongoing investigations.

“Further developments will be communicated in due course,” he added.

See some photos below:

KanyiDaily also reported how five people, including a police officer, were kidnapped in two separate attacks carried out by gunmen in Akoko Edo Local Government Area of Edo State.