In a deeply unsettling incident that has sent shockwaves through Amudo Village in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State, a 49-year-old man, Nnamdi Anyaji, has been arrested for allegedly murdering his 68-year-old mother, Mrs. Dorathy Anyaji, during a heated altercation over the proceeds of a cassava business.
The Anambra State Police Command confirmed the arrest on Sunday, April 13, 2025, following the tragic event that occurred two days earlier. According to police reports, the suspect, after committing the act, attempted to take his own life but was restrained and apprehended by vigilant neighbors before causing further harm
According to preliminary investigations by officers attached to the Ekwulobia Divisional Police Station, the argument escalated when Nnamdi accused his mother of dishonesty regarding the financial returns from their joint cassava business. The quarrel reportedly intensified into physical violence, culminating in the suspect allegedly attacking the elderly woman with an axe, resulting in fatal injuries.
Police spokesperson, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, who issued a statement on the incident, said:
“Operatives responded promptly to the scene on April 11, 2025, at about 1:40 p.m. and arrested the suspect, Nnamdi Anyaji, who attempted suicide after killing his mother. An axe, believed to be the murder weapon, was recovered at the scene. The suspect is currently in custody and under close medical and psychological supervision to prevent further attempts to harm himself.”
The community of Amudo Village is reeling from the tragic event. Residents described the late Mrs. Anyaji as a hardworking and peaceful woman known for her entrepreneurial spirit in the local cassava trade. Neighbors expressed shock at the incident, noting that the mother and son were often seen working together in the business and rarely had public disputes.
One resident, Mrs. Ngozi Obieze, told reporters: “Mama Dorathy was well-respected. We can’t believe her own son would do such a thing. This is a tragedy beyond words.”
While the motive appears tied to financial disagreements, police say they are not ruling out the possibility of underlying mental health issues. DSP Ikenga stated that psychological evaluations would be conducted as part of the ongoing investigation.
“The suspect’s behavior following the incident, including his suicide attempt, raises concerns about his mental state. We are involving medical professionals to determine if there were any untreated psychological conditions that may have influenced his actions,” Ikenga said.
The Anambra State Police Command has assured the public that thorough investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be arraigned in court upon conclusion of the case file. The Commissioner of Police, CP Aderemi Adeoye, reiterated the force’s commitment to justice and community safety.
“We condemn this gruesome act and are doing everything within the ambit of the law to ensure justice is served. We also encourage families to seek mediation or counseling when dealing with internal disputes, especially involving money or business,” CP Adeoye said.
In a separate development on the same day, April 11, the Anambra Police Command carried out a successful raid on a criminal drug den in Umuokpala Village, Orumba North LGA, resulting in the arrest of 12 individuals suspected of engaging in the sale and consumption of illicit drugs.
The suspects, aged between 20 and 29 years, were apprehended with significant quantities of dried leaves suspected to be Indian hemp and other illicit substances. Among the arrested were Ifeanyi Bernard, Emmanuel Ugwu, and Thankgod Kelechi, among others.
“The operation was executed by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad following a tip-off. All suspects and recovered drugs have been handed over to the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for appropriate prosecution,” Ikenga confirmed.
The dual developments highlight ongoing challenges in Anambra State concerning both violent crime and youth involvement in drug abuse. Community leaders and civil society groups are calling for increased family counseling services, mental health support, and youth empowerment programs to address root causes.
“Incidents like the Ekwulobia tragedy are avoidable. We must begin to invest in community-based conflict resolution mechanisms and mental health awareness,” said Mr. Anthony Oguejiofor, a human rights advocate and social worker in the state.
As investigations continue, the people of Amudo and greater Anambra State mourn the loss of a woman many regarded as a mother figure in the community. Meanwhile, the alleged perpetrator remains in police custody, awaiting his day in court—a somber reminder of the urgent need to address domestic disputes and mental health issues before they turn fatal.