The Nigeria Police Force has uncovered what investigators describe as a deadly conspiracy rooted in a bitter community land dispute following the arrest of five suspects over the murder of former Ikem Nando Community Chairman and land agent, Emmanuel Nwanneniya, in Anambra State.
Police alleged that the suspects lured the deceased to a meeting under the pretext of negotiating the purchase of land before overpowering him, injecting him multiple times with a restricted veterinary sedative and forcing him to surrender access to his mobile phone and banking applications.
The arrests were made by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department’s Special Tactical Squad (STS) following a directive by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Rilwan Disu, to intensify investigations into the killing.
According to investigators, the sedative allegedly used in the crime was identified as S.P.L. Ketamine Hydrochloride 500mg/10ml, a controlled veterinary drug.
Detectives said evidence gathered during the investigation pointed to a wider conspiracy linked to a long-running dispute over proceeds from the sale of community land.
Police said the crisis began after millions of naira realised from land sales were shared among the three clans that make up Ikem Nando Community.
One of the clans reportedly received about N39 million, which a majority of community members resolved should be invested in the construction of a community hall and other development projects.
The decision, however, allegedly triggered opposition from another faction, leading to prolonged hostility, threats and intimidation.
Investigators disclosed that several elders and community leaders who supported the development project had earlier reported threats of kidnapping and attacks.
Although some suspects were invited for questioning at the time and later released, police said tensions escalated until the murder of Nwanneniya.
Police alleged that the suspects invited the deceased to inspect a large expanse of land with persons posing as prospective buyers.
On arrival, he was reportedly held at gunpoint, restrained and injected with the veterinary sedative before being compelled to disclose access to his financial accounts.
Investigators said the victim’s wife provided a major breakthrough after informing police that her husband had left home to inspect land with prospective buyers.
When he failed to return and could no longer be reached, she reportedly drove to the meeting point, where she found him lying unconscious.
Police said her statement, together with digital forensic evidence and intelligence analysis, led detectives to the suspects.
During the parade of the suspects in Abuja, members of the Ikem Nando Community alleged that the murder was preceded by months of threats against those supporting the use of land proceeds for community development.
A community leader, Chief Ejimofor, told journalists that he had repeatedly received threats of abduction over his position on the dispute and described Nwanneniya’s death as a devastating blow that has left residents living in fear.
The Community Youth Leader, Ikechukwu Onagor, also urged the police to investigate the death of his brother, which he believes may be connected to the same land dispute.
Police, however, stressed that the case remains under investigation and that no conclusions have been reached.
Speaking during the briefing, the Coordinator of the Special Tactical Squad, ACP Victor Ogbeide Godfrey, described the operation as a major success for intelligence-led policing.
He praised the operatives involved and acknowledged the support of the Inspector-General of Police in facilitating the investigation and arrests.
ACP Godfrey also raised concerns over the alleged accessibility of the restricted veterinary sedative, calling on National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control and other regulatory bodies to tighten controls on restricted substances to prevent their diversion for criminal activities.
The Nigeria Police Force said investigations are continuing to identify every individual connected to the alleged conspiracy, while reiterating that all suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
