Anambra State Government has issued a strong warning to the assailants behind the brutal murder of prominent fishery entrepreneur and CEO of Fish Magnet Nigeria, Mr. Dozie Nwankwo, declaring a full-scale manhunt in collaboration with security agencies. The late businessman, widely known for transforming the aquaculture industry in the South-East, was gruesomely killed on Sunday, August 3, 2025, along the Eziowelle-Nkpor road under mysterious circumstances.
The State Commissioner for Information, Paul Nwosu, made the government’s position clear during a press briefing in Awka, stating that the Soludo administration will deploy all legal and security apparatus available to track down the killers. “This is not just about a murder; it is an attack on innovation, youth empowerment, and the progress of Anambra State,” he declared.
Nwankwo, aged 42, was celebrated for building one of Nigeria’s largest sustainable catfish production chains, employing over 300 young people across Onitsha, Ogbaru, and Idemili. His death sent shockwaves across business and political circles, with tributes pouring in from entrepreneurs, lawmakers, and civil society leaders who hailed him as a visionary lost too soon.
Security sources revealed that Nwankwo was ambushed by unidentified gunmen while returning from a community youth empowerment event. His vehicle was riddled with bullets, and despite being rushed to the hospital, he succumbed to his injuries. The incident has sparked outrage across social media, with the hashtag #JusticeForDozie gaining traction.
Governor Charles Soludo, who is currently attending an economic summit in Lagos, has ordered the Commissioner of Police and Director of DSS in the state to submit a comprehensive report within 72 hours and assured the family that justice would be non-negotiable. “Anambra will not be a haven for killers. We will find them,” the Governor said in a statement released through his Chief Press Secretary.
The Anambra Business Forum (ABF) and the National Association of Fish Farmers have both called for immediate investigations, suggesting the possibility of professional jealousy or sabotage given the late CEO’s recent breakthrough with a multi-million naira export contract with UAE distributors. They urged the government not to allow the case to go cold, warning it could set a dangerous precedent for innovators in the region.
Meanwhile, security has been beefed up in the Eziowelle-Nkpor axis as investigations begin. Residents have been encouraged to share any information anonymously, and a ₦10 million bounty has been placed on credible tips leading to the arrest of the perpetrators. The late Nwankwo is survived by a wife, two children, and thousands of beneficiaries of his vision.
