ANAMBRA STATE, NIGERIA — A family land dispute in Anambra State has ended in tragedy after a man, Kosarachukwu “Kosara” Ugwuka, confessed to killing his elder brother, Chukwudi Josiah Ugwuka, by secretly lacing his food with rat poison.
The shocking confession followed months of tension in Akala Village, Ezinifite, Nnewi South Local Government Area, and has left the community in disbelief.
According to family members, Chukwudi fell mysteriously ill in early 2022. He was treated at several hospitals, but his condition worsened until he died on April 27, 2022. His sudden death fueled suspicion within the family, especially because of the ongoing quarrel over land inheritance.
Kosara initially denied any involvement and even accused his nephew, Herbert, of being responsible. The accusation divided the family and worsened the conflict.
With no clear answers, the villagers decided to take the matter to the Nando Shrine in Anambra East for a traditional oath-taking.
Herbert was the first to swear before the deity and was immediately vindicated.
Kosara was then asked to do the same. During the oath, he reportedly became “blinded by the deity” and broke down in front of witnesses.
It was at this point that he confessed to poisoning his elder brother by mixing rat poison into his food, explaining that his motive was to secure control of the disputed land.
News of the confession spread quickly across Anambra and beyond, sparking outrage. Many residents condemned the act, describing it as an extreme example of how deadly land disputes in Nigeria can become.