The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 45-year-old man, Okwuchukwu Ezimuo, for allegedly stabbing his relative, Joseph Dike, to death during a quarrel over family land in Umunocha Village, Awka-Etiti, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Police said the incident happened on the evening of Monday, September 22, 2025. During the argument, Ezimuo reportedly struck 65-year-old Dike on the chest, causing him to collapse.
The victim was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead by a doctor on duty.
Police spokesman SP Tochukwu Ikenga, in a statement released on Wednesday, confirmed the arrest and said officers had visited the crime scene and gathered evidence.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command Operatives attached to the Nnobi Police Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Okwuchukwu Ezimuo, male, aged 45 years, over the death of his relative on an alleged family land dispute in Awka-Etiti.
“Preliminary information revealed that in the evening of September 22, 2025, the deceased, one Joseph Dike, male, aged 65 years, collapsed after being struck on the chest by the suspect during a quarrel in Umunocha Village, Awka-Etiti.
“Following the incident, the victim was immediately rushed to the hospital, where he was confirmed dead by a Medical Doctor on duty. The scene of the crime was visited, and relevant evidence, including a photograph, was taken.”
Ikenga added that Ezimuo, who was arrested by officers from the Nnobi Divisional Headquarters, is now under interrogation.
The state Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has urged residents to resolve disputes peacefully and avoid violence. He ordered that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for further investigation.
In February 2025, the Anambra Police Command arrested a man identified as Christian Ndu for allegedly stabbing his elder brother to death during an argument, a case the police commissioner then described as “tragic” and “unfortunate.”
Police say they remain committed to investigating such violent family conflicts and ensuring justice for victims.
