The Anambra State Police Command has initiated a manhunt for the unidentified gunmen who kidnapped and killed famous businessman Ifesinachi Onyekere, popularly known as “Fish Magnet,” despite an undisclosed ransom payment.
Onyekere, the son of an All Progressives Grand Alliance chieftain in the state, was kidnapped on Saturday after gunmen broke into his home in Ezinifite village, Okpuno, Awka South LGA, Anambra State, late at night.
Our source reported that the incident caused panic and shockwaves in the vicinity after the armed hoodlums shot the victim in the leg before whisking him away in his automobile.
A source in the region told our correspondent in confidence that the hoodlums entered the victim’s complex in an ash-coloured sports utility vehicle and pushed their way inside, where they kidnapped him.
The source said, “The attackers arrived in an ash-coloured Lexus SUV at about 10:30 pm, forced their way into the compound, and fled the scene in the victim’s Toyota Corolla after shooting him in the leg.
“The assailants escaped through bush paths towards Nawfia while firing gunshots into the air, thereby triggering panic in the area.
“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.
“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, hard-working, and full of promise, known for his passion and thriving fish business.”
When asked about the development, the state police spokesman, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed it in a statement on Wednesday, adding that joint security operatives had retrieved the victim’s vehicle, which the assailants used to escape the scene.
The police spokesman said, “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.
“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.
“He was later found lifeless, sparking public outrage and deep concern among residents of Awka.”
According to Ikenga, while denouncing the killing, the CP assured the people that the criminals responsible for this cruel crime would be brought to justice.
“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,” he added.
