The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Emmanuel, in connection with the alleged killing of his girlfriend, identified only as Chinyere.
The suspect was arrested at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, following information received by the police about the alleged murder.
The Command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed the arrest on Tuesday in a statement issued at the State Police Headquarters in GRA, Enugu.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicated that the incident occurred on September 19, 2026, following an argument between Emmanuel and the deceased over allegations concerning the source of an HIV infection.
Ndukwe said the suspect allegedly struck the woman on the head with a pestle, after which he concealed her remains inside the toilet of his apartment.
He stated, “On September 21, 2026, at about 6:30 pm, following information that he had allegedly murdered his girlfriend. Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly killed the victim on September 19, wrapped her remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.
“The offensive odour of the decomposing body subsequently attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended him before the arrival of the police. The putrefying remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.
“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). He further stated that, during the argument, he struck the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, and subsequently wrapped and dumped her remains inside the toilet,” the statement partly read.
The police spokesperson said Emmanuel was initially confronted and apprehended by residents after the discovery of the decomposing body.
Ndukwe noted that the suspect was “rescued from an angry mob and re-arrested by police operatives attached to Awkunanaw Division.”
The Command said the victim’s remains had been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts were underway to establish her full identity and locate her relatives.
The State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
According to Ndukwe, the police commissioner also directed investigators to “ensure the suspect is arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.”
Giwa further advised members of the public to exercise caution in their personal interactions and movements.
The police boss warned members of the public, “particularly unsuspecting young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.”
(Ripples)
