The Anambra State Police Command has commenced a full-scale manhunt for the unidentified gunmen responsible for the abduction and murder of a well-known businessman, Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly called “Fish Magnet,” despite the payment of a ransom.
Onyekere, who is the son of a chieftain of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) in the state, was reportedly abducted on Saturday when armed men stormed his residence in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, in Awka South Local Government Area.
It was gathered that the gunmen, who arrived at the compound around 10:30 p.m. in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV, forcefully gained entrance and shot the victim in the leg before abducting him and fleeing in his Toyota Corolla.
A local resident, who spoke in confidence to PUNCH, said the attackers escaped through bush paths leading towards Nawfia, firing sporadic gunshots to cause panic.
Local volunteers and security watch groups who were contacted launched a search effort, while authorities are working to trace the victim’s phone and make contact with the kidnappers,” the source disclosed.
He was in captivity for three days until a ransom was paid, but instead of setting him free, they ended his life. He was later found lifeless by the roadside this morning. He was young, hardworking, full of promise, known for his passion and thriving fish business,” the source added.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said in a statement on Wednesday that joint security operatives had recovered the victim’s car used by the abductors.
Ikenga stated, “The Commissioner of Police, 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.”
This directive follows the recovery of the victim’s navy blue Toyota Corolla, along Ukwulu/Igbariam road by the Joint Security Team comprising Anambra Vigilante operatives and the police,” he added.
According to the PPRO, preliminary findings indicate that the attackers had monitored the victim’s movements before executing the attack.
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.”
The Commissioner of Police, while expressing outrage over the killing, vowed that justice would be served.
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. Further developments will be communicated accordingly,” the statement concluded.
