The Anambra State Police Command says it has arrested a man suspected of arranging the murder of his friend after allegedly collecting money from him for a nonexistent land transaction.
The victim, 56 year old Kelechi Madu, was reported missing after leaving home on August 17.
His wife later informed police that his body had been found in a bush at Umuobi, Awkuzu.
Police said the body had a deep axe injury to the head.
Investigators arrested 32 year old Ifeanyi Nwankwo, described as a friend of the deceased.
The police alleged that Nwankwo admitted involvement in the planning of the killing and had recruited two other people to carry it out.
According to the preliminary investigation, the suspect had allegedly obtained money from Madu by claiming he would assist him in acquiring land.
Police said the killing was then planned in an effort to conceal the alleged fraudulent transaction.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and any eventual court proceedings.
Anambra Commissioner of Police Nnanna Oji Ama ordered investigators to identify and arrest everyone connected with the case.
The command said it would continue combining intelligence led policing with community partnerships to investigate violent crime.
In a separate development, community leader and traditional title holder Maduka Arubaluezeama was shot dead at a building site in Nise.
Local sources speculated that the killing could be connected either to a land dispute or longstanding disagreement over the vacant traditional stool in Nri.
Those claims have not been established.
Residents also referred to previous violent incidents in the community and called for a comprehensive investigation.
At the time the source report was filed, the police spokesman said he had not yet received information confirming the second incident.
The two cases have increased concern over violent crime and unresolved community disputes in parts of Anambra State.
