A man “kills” his girlfriend over an argument about HIV

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend following an argument regarding the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV.

The suspect was also accused of hiding the woman’s body in the toilet of his apartment in Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, after allegedly killing her.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday.

According to Ndukwe, officers from Awkunanaw Division re-arrested Emmanuel at around 6.30pm on Monday after rescuing him from an angry mob who had arrested him for the alleged murder.

The victim was identified by police simply as Chinyere.

Body discovered by neighbors

Ndukwe said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly killed Chinyere on September 19, wrapped her remains in nylon and locked them in the toilet of his apartment.

Police said the decomposing body then started emitting an unpleasant odor, which attracted the attention of neighbors.

Neighbors reportedly forced the door open and arrested Emmanuel before police officers arrived.

The victim’s remains were later taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while police said efforts were underway to trace and notify his relatives.

The suspect allegedly confesses

The police spokesperson said that preliminary interrogation showed that Emmanuel confessed to the alleged crime.

According to Ndukwe, the suspect told investigators that the incident followed an argument with his girlfriend over allegations about who had infected the other with HIV.

The suspect reportedly said the argument escalated before hitting Chinyere on the head with a pestle, resulting in his death.

He later wrapped up her remains and threw them into the bathroom of his apartment, where they were later discovered by neighbors.

Police said further investigations will be necessary to establish the full circumstances of the woman’s death and verify the suspect’s account.

The CP orders an investigation

The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the state Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the case.

Giwa also ordered that the suspect be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations and ascertainment of the facts of the case.

Police said investigators will continue efforts to trace the victim’s relatives and establish all relevant circumstances surrounding the alleged murder.

The Commissioner also called on the public, especially young women, to be careful about who they visit or spend time with.

He urged them to ensure that trusted relatives or friends are informed of their movements as part of measures to improve personal security.