The Anambra State Police Command has recorded a breakthrough in the investigation into the killing of Bishop Chinedu Clarence James of End-Time Reconciliation Ministries, Asaba, Delta State, following the recovery of his stolen Toyota Land Cruiser and the arrest of two suspects allegedly linked to the crime.
The operation, which security analysts say underscores the growing importance of intelligence-led policing and inter-state collaboration in tackling violent crimes, came barely days after the cleric was reportedly abducted and killed by gunmen in Delta State.
Police said the incident occurred on May 12, 2026, when the Bishop was allegedly abducted and shot dead during an attack, after which the assailants fled with his Toyota Land Cruiser, triggering a multi-state manhunt.
According to the Anambra State Police Command, the breakthrough followed credible intelligence received in the early hours of Wednesday, indicating that the stolen vehicle was being moved into Anambra State for possible sale.
The intelligence reportedly prompted a coordinated special operation led by the Commander of the Intelligence Response and Rapid Response Unit (IRRT), Chief Superintendent of Police (CSP) Orede C. Matthew.
Police operatives subsequently tracked the movement of the vehicle and monitored suspected contacts believed to be linked to a criminal network involved in disposing of stolen vehicles.
Preliminary investigations revealed that one of the suspects, Uchenna Nicolas, allegedly confessed that he was recently employed about two weeks before the incident and became involved after the crime was committed.
“He further disclosed that he contacted his cousin, Uchenna Igwe, who resides in Onitsha, to assist in sourcing a buyer for the Toyota Land Cruiser,” the police said.
Investigators said the communication between the suspects became a critical lead that enabled operatives to close in on them.
Upon arrival in Onitsha, police operatives reportedly confirmed that the suspects were actively attempting to sell the stolen vehicle before moving in to arrest them.
The Anambra State Police Command described the operation as “swift and intelligence-driven,” noting that the recovery of the vehicle prevented the disposal of vital evidence connected to the murder investigation.
Reacting to the development, the Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, commended the operatives for their professionalism and rapid response.
He described the operation as “a significant breakthrough” in ongoing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the Bishop’s killing and dismantle criminal networks involved in kidnapping and violent crimes.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command was intensifying efforts to track down other members of the syndicate allegedly involved in the kidnapping, murder and attempted sale of the stolen vehicle.
Police authorities further disclosed that preliminary findings suggest the involvement of a wider criminal syndicate, with investigations ongoing to establish operational links and motives behind the attack.
The command reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all those connected to the crime are apprehended and prosecuted.
The latest breakthrough comes amid renewed directives by the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, urging police commands nationwide to strengthen community policing, intelligence gathering and rapid response mechanisms against violent crimes.
