A popular comedian and media personality, Isaac Nwosu, popularly known as ‘Aiza Nwosu’, has been shot dead alongside an unidentified middle-aged man in separate attacks in Awka, the Anambra State capital.
The two victims were reportedly killed at different locations in the city by the same group of assailants late on Sunday.
Nwosu was shot along S.M. Okeke Street in the Amaikwo area of Awka, while the second victim was killed along Capital City Road, Amaenyi.
The motive for the attacks had yet to be established as of Monday. However, the incidents triggered panic in the affected areas, with residents reportedly fleeing as gunshots rang out.
Some residents and eyewitnesses also suggested that the attacks might be linked to cult-related activities, although the police had not confirmed the claim.
An eyewitness who spoke about the attack on Nwosu said the assailants, believed to be three in number and travelling in a tinted vehicle, allegedly trailed the comedian from his residence before double-crossing his vehicle and opening fire.
“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, 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 appeared to show the aftermath of the attacks, with the bodies of the victims lying in pools of blood at separate locations as residents gathered around the scenes.
Confirming the incident in a statement on Monday, the Anambra State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said the command had launched an investigation and intensified efforts to apprehend the suspects.
Ikenga said the police were also seeking the support and cooperation of residents as the manhunt continued.
The statement partly read: “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.”
According to Ikenga, security operatives mobilised patrol teams to the affected areas after receiving distress calls and commenced efforts to track down the assailants.
“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.”
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, condemned the killings, describing them as unacceptable and a direct affront to the peace and security of the state.
Ama directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Awka, for a discreet and comprehensive investigation.
He also ordered increased patrols, surveillance and intelligence-gathering operations across Awka and adjoining 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.
