POLICE LAUNCH MANHUNT AFTER ANAMBRA COMEDIAN, ANOTHER MAN ARE SHOT DEAD

The Anambra State Police Command has intensified efforts to track down the gunmen responsible for the killing of popular master of ceremonies and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as “Azia Nwosu,” and another unidentified man in Awka, the state capital.

The two men were reportedly killed at separate locations on Sunday night, August 30, 2026, by unidentified assailants. Nwosu was shot along S.M. Okeke Street in the Amaikwo area of Awka, while the second victim was attacked along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.

The killings reportedly caused panic in the affected areas as residents fled their homes following sporadic gunshots. Although the motive for the attacks had not been established, some residents and eyewitnesses suspected that the incidents could be connected to cult-related activities.

An eyewitness alleged that about three attackers, travelling in a tinted vehicle, followed Nwosu from his residence before overtaking and blocking his vehicle. The attackers reportedly opened fire, killing him inside his car before moving away from the scene.

The witness further alleged that the same assailants shot another man by the roadside, reportedly dispossessed him of his belongings and fled. The attackers were said to have fired into the air before leaving the area, heightening tension among residents.

Following the attacks, security operatives were deployed to the affected locations, where the bodies of the victims were recovered and taken to a hospital. Medical personnel later confirmed both victims dead.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the incident and said the command had commenced a manhunt for the perpetrators.

According to Ikenga, preliminary information indicated that three unidentified individuals travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla were responsible for the attacks. He said the vehicle's registration number was yet to be established.

The police spokesperson appealed to members of the public to provide useful information that could help investigators identify and arrest the suspects.

The police recovered N7,550, a Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers from the scenes of the attacks. While Nwosu was identified, the identity of the second victim remained unknown at the time of the report.

The Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, condemned the killings and directed the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka to take over the case for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.

Ama also held a closed-door meeting with the command's strategic and operational officers to review information gathered from residents and strengthen the security response in Awka and surrounding communities.

The commissioner described Nwosu as an asset to Anambra State, noting that the deceased had contributed to the police command's security advocacy initiatives and other activities aimed at promoting peace and public safety.

He assured Nwosu's family and residents that the police would pursue the investigation with determination and work to bring those responsible to justice.

The command has subsequently increased patrols, surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations across Awka and neighbouring areas as part of efforts to prevent further attacks and apprehend the suspects.

Residents have also been urged to remain vigilant and cooperate with security agencies by providing information that could assist in identifying the perpetrators.