By
Gloria Josiah

The Nigeria Police Force says it has made a major breakthrough in the case of Emmanuel Nwanneniya, the former Chairman and land agent of Ikem Nando Community in Anambra State who was killed in a brutal attack.

Acting on the directive of the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Olatunji Rilwan Disu, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad, STS, arrested five suspects allegedly involved in the murder.

Investigators said the crime was tied to a long-running crisis over proceeds from community land sales. According to police, about N39 million from the sales was shared among the three clans in Ikem Nando. A majority decision was reached to use the money for a community hall and other development projects.

That decision sparked resistance from another group in the community. Police noted that disagreements quickly turned into threats and intimidation. Some elders and leaders who backed the project reportedly received warnings of possible abduction. A few suspects had even been invited earlier for questioning before being released.

Tensions eventually escalated to violence, with Nwanneniya becoming the target.

STS Commander, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, told reporters the suspects lured the victim with a fake land deal. Believing he was meeting genuine buyers, Nwanneniya went for the inspection. Police alleged that on arrival, he was held at gunpoint, tied up, and injected several times with a restricted veterinary drug — S.P.L. Ketamine Hydrochloride 500mg/10ml. The suspects also allegedly forced him to give up access to his phone and bank apps.

A key lead came from Nwanneniya’s wife. After he failed to return home and stopped picking calls, she went to the meeting spot and found him unconscious on the ground. Her statement, combined with digital evidence, helped police track the suspects.

During a parade in Abuja, community members spoke about months of fear. Chief Ejimofor said he had reported threats of kidnapping to police prior to the murder because of his support for the development project. Youth leader Ikechukwu Onagor also alleged that his brother was killed in connection with the same land dispute and asked police to investigate that case as well. Police said that case is still under investigation.

ACP Godfrey described the arrests as a win for intelligence-led policing and thanked the IGP for operational support. He also raised concerns over how easily the controlled veterinary sedative was acquired, urging NAFDAC and other agencies to tighten regulation of such drugs.

“The Nigeria Police Force assures the public that investigations are still ongoing. All persons linked to this alleged conspiracy will be identified and prosecuted. We also state that all suspects are presumed innocent until proven guilty in court,” he said.