By Izunna Okafor, Awka
The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two suspects in connection with the brutal murder of an 80-year-old woman, late Mrs. Theresa Igbojonu, in Ihiala Local Government Area of the state.
According to a statement released on Tuesday by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the arrested suspects—identified as Chidiebere Igboanugo and Emmanuel Ibeabuchi, both of Umunwaji Ogboro in Ihiala—are currently in police custody, while a manhunt has been launched for two other fleeing accomplices.
SP Ikenga said the disturbing incident reportedly occurred on April 2, 2025, when the octogenarian was found dead in what police described as a clearly orchestrated and callous murder.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the victim had her legs and mouth tightly bound before she was murdered, in what appears to be a premeditated act of cruelty.
According to him, among the items stolen from the deceased was a black CG motorcycle, which has now been recovered by law enforcement agents, thanks to the vigilance of the deceased’s son and the swift response of security operatives.
Giving a breakdown of the arrest, the police spokesperson revealed that the breakthrough in the investigation came on April 5, when the deceased’s son spotted the stolen motorcycle being driven around the Ezego Junction in Ihiala by one of the suspects, Chidiebere Igboanugo; and quickly raised alarm, prompting the Joint Security Patrol Team on ground to act swiftly and apprehend the suspect on the spot.
He said during interrogation, Chidiebere reportedly confessed to the crime and went further to name Emmanuel Ibeabuchi as one of his accomplices in the heinous act. Acting on this lead, security operatives swung into action and arrested Emmanuel the following day, April 7, at an undisclosed location within the area.
Further disclosures from the suspects revealed the identities of two other gang members—one Alla and one Emeka—who are currently on the run. Police say all four are from the same community as the victim, raising further concerns about trust, security, and rising local criminality.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, for a more comprehensive and discreet investigation. He also directed security operatives to intensify efforts in tracking down and apprehending the remaining suspects.
While reassuring the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to securing lives and property, the Police Commissioner emphasized that the suspects in custody would face the full weight of the law once investigations are concluded.
“The suspects will be charged to court as soon as investigations are completed. We are committed to ensuring that justice is served, not just for the family of the deceased, but for the collective peace of our communities,” PPRO Ikenga affirmed in the statement.
The brutal murder of an 80-year-old woman by individuals from her own community has sparked outrage and drawn widespread condemnation, especially within Ihiala and its environs. Many have described the incident as one of the most heartless and shameful crimes witnessed in recent times, while calling on the authorities to ensure that the perpetrators are not only apprehended but prosecuted without delay.
Community leaders and concerned citizens have also renewed their call for increased neighborhood surveillance, stronger community policing, and value reorientation to stem the rising tide of moral decay, especially among young people in rural areas.
