Gunmen have brutally murdered a well-known Anambra-based businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly called “Fish Magnet,” even after a ransom was paid to secure his release.
The tragic incident occurred following his abduction on Saturday, July 27, 2025, during a late-night attack on his residence in Ezinifite community, Okpuno, located in the Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. Onyekere was reportedly the son of a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state.
Sources say the assailants stormed the compound at about 10:30 p.m. in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV, forced their way into the premises, and shot Onyekere in the leg before abducting him. They later escaped in the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, firing gunshots into the air to create panic as they fled through nearby bush paths toward Nawfia.
Local vigilantes and security watch groups quickly mobilized to search for the victim, and authorities began efforts to trace his phone and communicate with the kidnappers.
“He was in captivity for three days until a ransom was paid, but instead of setting him free, they ended his life,” a source told our correspondent. “He was later found lifeless by the roadside this morning. He was young, hardworking, full of promise, and known for his passion and thriving fish business.”
Confirming the incident in a statement on Wednesday, the Anambra State Police Command Spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed all tactical and intelligence units to intensify efforts to apprehend the perpetrators.
According to Ikenga, “The Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed all tactical and intelligence units to redouble their efforts in tracking down the armed men responsible for the abduction and subsequent killing of Ifesinachi Onyekere, the Managing Director of Fish Magnet Outlet, who was attacked in the evening of July 27, 2025, at his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka.”
He further revealed that the Joint Security Team, comprising operatives from the Anambra Vigilante Group and the Nigeria Police, has recovered the victim’s Toyota Corolla along the Ukwulu/Igbariam road.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the assailants had trailed the victim before launching the violent attack, during which the deceased was shot in the leg and forcibly taken away,” Ikenga said. “He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka.”
Condemning the gruesome act, the Commissioner of Police assured the public that the criminals behind the murder will be hunted down and prosecuted.
“He further stated that the Police owe it to the family, the people of Anambra, and the memory of the deceased to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the Law,” Ikenga added. “Further developments would be communicated accordingly.”
The community remains in shock as the killing of the beloved entrepreneur has sent waves of grief and fear throughout the region. Security agencies continue to investigate and track leads to bring justice to the family and the people of Anambra State.
