Enugu Police Arrest Man Over Alleged Murder of Girlfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend following an argument about claims of HIV infection.

The incident reportedly occurred in the Olympic Layout area of Enugu State, while the suspect was arrested after neighbours discovered the decomposing body of the woman in his apartment.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday, saying operatives of the Awkunanaw Division re-arrested Emmanuel at about 6:30pm on Monday after he was rescued from an angry mob.

According to Ndukwe, preliminary investigations indicated that Emmanuel allegedly killed the woman, identified only as Chinyere, on September 19 and concealed her remains inside the toilet of his apartment.

The police said the suspect allegedly wrapped the remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet. The smell from the decomposing body later alerted neighbours, who reportedly forced the door open and apprehended Emmanuel before the police arrived.

“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly killed the victim on September 19, wrapped her remains in a nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.”

Ndukwe said the woman’s remains had been evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts were underway to identify and notify her relatives.

The police spokesperson also said Emmanuel allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation, claiming that the incident followed an argument with the deceased over allegations about who infected the other with HIV.

According to the police, the suspect allegedly told investigators that he struck the woman on the head with a pestle during the argument, resulting in her death, before concealing her remains in the toilet.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a discreet and thorough investigation. The suspect is expected to be arraigned after the investigation is concluded.

The command also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends about their movements and exercise caution when visiting or spending time with others.