Bodies of 2 missing Cameroonian women recovered from Anambra river

Monday, December 1, 2025 - The Anambra State Police has recovered the decomposing bodies of two missing Cameroonian women believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident. 

The spokesperson of the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, who confirmed the development in a statement on Saturday, November 29, 2025 said the decomposing bodies were recovered from Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area of the state. 

According to the PPRO, the victims were among three Cameroonian women who have been missing for some time. 

The command had launched an investigation leading to the arrest of two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh, 37, and Kingsley Akpeh, 44, who had been assisting with information while a third suspect had been on the run.

Ikenga disclosed that operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife, Mrs. Bognou Alice, and his niece, Miss Sandra.

He added that the State Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim. 

“The Anambra State Police Command wishes to update the public on the ongoing investigation into the alleged kidnapping of three Cameroonian women in the State,” the statement read.

"Recall that Police investigators had earlier arrested two suspects: Nonso Augustine Akpeh ‘M’, 37 years old, and Kingsley Akpeh ‘M’, 44 years old, who are currently assisting operatives with vital information.

"In continuation of these efforts, on the evening of 28th November 2025, Police operatives attached to the Rapid Response Squad, Awkuzu, working in collaboration with professional river divers and local volunteers, conducted an intensive search along the Omambala River in Anambra West Local Government Area.

"During the operation, the team recovered two (2) female decomposed bodies believed to be victims of the kidnapping incident. 

"The operatives immediately contacted the family of the kidnapped victims, who positively identified the recovered bodies as his wife Mrs. Bognou Alice and his niece Miss Sandra.

"Both bodies have been deposited in a mortuary for further examination and necessary investigative procedures.

"To this end, the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, fwc, mnips, PhD, while extending his heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and friends, has ordered intensified search efforts to recover the remaining missing victim. 

"He has also directed all units involved to strengthen operational activities aimed at apprehending the third suspect, Uchenna Nicholas Mmadu, who is currently on the run, to ensure he faces the full weight of the law.

“The Commissioner further reassures the public of the Command’s unwavering commitment to protecting lives, maintaining security, and delivering justice.”