Tuesday, September 1, 2026 - The Anambra State Police Command has launched a manhunt for the assailants who allegedly shot dead a popular master of ceremonies and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Azia Nwosu,” and another yet-to-be-identified man in Awka, the state capital.
According to Punch, the two victims were killed at separate
locations in the city on Sunday night by unidentified gunmen, according to the
police.
Nwosu was reportedly killed along S.M. Okeke Street,
Amaikwo, Awka, while the other victim was shot dead along Capital City Road,
Amaenyi, in the state capital.
The motive for the killings had yet to be established as of
Monday, although the incidents reportedly created panic in the affected areas,
with residents scampering for safety amid sporadic gunshots.
However, some eyewitnesses and residents in the area
suggested that the attacks might be linked to cult-related activities.
An eyewitness who spoke near the scene of Nwosu’s killing
said the assailants, numbering about three, allegedly trailed the comedian from
his residence before double-crossing his vehicle and opening fire on him.
“The assailants, numbering about three and driving in a
tinted vehicle, trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle
and later attacked him, shooting him dead. They left the victim in a pool of
blood inside his car.
“As they drove some distance away, they also shot another
victim dead by the roadside, dispossessed him of his belongings and fled.
“The assailants fired some shots into the air before leaving
the scene, thereby creating tension in the area. After they left, security
operatives arrived at the scene and recovered the lifeless bodies of the
victims.
“The security operatives later beefed up security around the
areas following the incident,” the eyewitness, who craved anonymity because of
the sensitive nature of the incident, said.
Videos circulating online also purportedly showed the
aftermath of the two attacks, with the bodies of the victims seen at separate
locations as residents gathered around the scenes.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the state
Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had
intensified efforts to identify and arrest the perpetrators.
Ikenga said, “The Anambra State Police Command has condemned
in the strongest terms the gunshot attacks carried out by unidentified gunmen
in Awka, the state capital, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, which resulted in the
deaths of two persons.
“The command has consequently intensified the ongoing
manhunt for the perpetrators and is calling for the support and cooperation of
members of the public to assist in bringing the suspects to justice.
“Information gathered so far reveals that three unidentified
persons, travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, with registration
number yet to be ascertained, reportedly shot two persons at separate locations
within Awka.”
He said following receipt of the distress call, security
operatives mobilised patrol teams to the affected areas and commenced efforts
to track down the assailants.
“Upon arrival at the scenes, the operatives recovered the
bodies of the victims along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street,
Amaikwo, Awka, respectively.
“The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were
subsequently confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“While one of the victims is yet to be identified, the
second victim has been identified as Isaac Nwosu, male, also known as ‘Azia’.
“The operatives also recovered from the scene the sum of
N7,550, one Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers,” Ikenga added.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna
Ama, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable and a direct
affront to the peace and security of the state.
Ama directed that the case be transferred to the State
Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for discreet and comprehensive
investigation.
He also ordered relevant operational and investigative units
to intensify efforts to identify and apprehend those responsible for the
killings.
On Monday, the commissioner held a two-hour closed-door
meeting with the command’s strategic and operational officers to review
information gathered from members of the public, particularly in Awka, and
strengthen security measures in the city and adjoining areas.
Speaking after the meeting, Ama said the directive was part
of the command’s efforts to strengthen security operations and intensify the
fight against violent crime.
“The meeting is aimed at strengthening security operations
and sustaining the fight against violent crime, and to intensify efforts
towards identifying and apprehending the perpetrators,” he said.
The commissioner also paid a condolence visit to Nwosu’s
family, where he described the deceased as an asset to the state whose
contributions would be greatly missed.
He said Nwosu had contributed to the command’s security
advocacy efforts and other activities aimed at promoting peace and security in
the state.
Ama reassured the family and residents of Anambra that the
police would pursue the investigation with determination and urged them to
continue to cooperate with security agencies by providing useful information
that could assist in apprehending the suspects.
He added that the command had intensified patrols,
surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and neighbouring areas to
prevent further attacks and apprehend the perpetrators.
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