Police launch man haunt for killers of Anambra comedian

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.