Tragedy struck Awka, the Anambra State capital, on Sunday night after unidentified gunmen reportedly killed popular comedian and media personality Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as ‘Aiza Nwosu’, alongside an unidentified middle-aged man.
The two victims were reportedly attacked at different locations within the city by the same assailants. Nwosu was shot along S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, while the second victim was killed along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.
The motive for the attacks remains unknown, although some eyewitnesses and residents suggested that the killings could be linked to cult-related activities.
An eyewitness who spoke about the attack on Nwosu said three men in a tinted vehicle allegedly followed the comedian from his residence before double-crossing his vehicle and shooting him.
“The assailants, numbering about three and driving in a tinted vehicle, trailed the comedian from his home, double-crossed his vehicle and later attacked him, shooting him dead. They left the victim in a pool of blood inside his car.
“As they drove some distance away, they also shot another victim dead by the roadside, dispossessed him of his belongings and fled.
“The assailants fired some shots into the air before leaving the scene in a commando-like manner, thereby creating tension in the area. After they left, the security operatives arrived at the scene and recovered the lifeless bodies of the victims.
“The security operatives later beefed up security around the areas following the incident.”
Videos circulating online also showed the bodies of the two victims at the separate crime scenes, with residents gathered around the locations.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said an investigation had commenced and that the command was intensifying efforts to arrest the perpetrators.
“The Anambra State Police Command has condemned in the strongest terms the gunshot attacks carried out by unidentified gunmen in Awka, the State capital, on Sunday, August 30, 2026, which resulted in the deaths of two persons.
“The command has consequently intensified the ongoing manhunt for the perpetrators and is calling for the support and cooperation of members of the public to assist in bringing the suspects to justice.
“Information gathered so far reveals that three unidentified persons, travelling in a silver-coloured Toyota Corolla, with registration number yet to be ascertained, reportedly shot two persons at separate locations within Awka.”
Ikenga said security operatives responded after receiving distress calls and immediately deployed patrol teams to the affected areas.
“Upon arrival at the scenes, the operatives recovered the bodies of the victims along Capital City Road, Amaenyi, and S.M. Okeke Street, Amaikwo, Awka, respectively.
“The victims were taken to a hospital, where they were subsequently confirmed dead by medical personnel.
“While one of the victims is yet to be identified, the second victim has been identified as Isaac Nwosu, male, also known as ‘Azia’.
“The operatives also recovered from the scene the sum of ₦7,550, one Moniepoint ATM card and a pair of slippers.”
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable and a threat to the peace and security of the state.
He directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The police also increased patrols, surveillance and intelligence gathering across Awka and neighbouring areas.
“The command therefore calls on community leaders, residents, motorists, business owners and other members of the public who may have witnessed the incidents or have credible information regarding the suspects, their movements or the vehicle used in the attacks to come forward and assist the Police.
“Such information will be treated with utmost confidentiality. The Anambra State Police Command reiterates that community partnership remains critical to effective policing and urges residents not to hesitate to provide timely information that could assist in apprehending the perpetrators and preventing further attacks,” the statement added.