In a chilling case that has sent shockwaves through the community of Umuim village in Ubi Local Government Area of Imo State, two brothers have been arrested for the alleged murder of their biological brother, a secret they reportedly kept buried—literally—for over a decade and a half.
The suspects, identified as Lucky Anuzim and Zama Amadi (also known in some accounts as Madi), are accused of killing their brother, Orinduadi Amadi, back in 2010. According to details emerging from the investigation, the motive was rooted in deep-seated family grudge. Orinduadi was said to have been a source of constant trouble, culminating in a violent attack on their father with a cutlass, which allegedly led to the father's death. He was also accused of assaulting their mother, fueling the brothers' rage and desire for revenge.
Investigators revealed that Lucky and Zama kidnapped Orinduadi and held him captive within their family compound. At first, they provided him with minimal food and water, but eventually, they ceased all sustenance, leading to his death from starvation or severe neglect while still confined. To cover up the heinous act, the brothers buried his body in a shallow grave inside an uncompleted building on the same property. They then spread a fabricated story among villagers and family members, claiming that Orinduadi had left the village to seek employment opportunities in another state, possibly traveling via Yelwa.
For 15 long years, this deception held, despite growing suspicions in the tight-knit community. Orinduadi never returned, never visited, and never made contact with anyone, prompting fruitless searches and inquiries. The brothers stuck to their tale, evading questions and maintaining the facade until the pressure became too much to bear.
The truth finally unraveled on February 10, 2026, when frustrated community youths confronted Lucky and Zama, demanding they produce their missing brother or face dire consequences. Fearing mob justice, the brothers cracked under the ultimatum and confessed to the crime. They led the youths to the uncompleted building, where they dug up the skeletal remains of Orinduadi, which had decomposed over the years, providing grim confirmation of their long-held secret.
The scene quickly turned chaotic as enraged villagers sought to take matters into their own hands. However, swift intervention by police from the local divisional headquarters, including the Divisional Police Officer (DPO), prevented further violence. The officers rescued the brothers, took them into protective custody, and secured the remains as crucial evidence. One of the suspects, who works as a tricycle operator, reportedly admitted during initial questioning that the murder was retribution for Orinduadi's role in their father's death.
The Imo State Police Command has launched a full investigation into the matter. Potential charges against Lucky and Zama include murder, kidnapping, unlawful detention, and concealment of death. Authorities are urging anyone with additional information to come forward as they piece together the full timeline of events.