Enugu police have arrested a 30-year-old man on suspicion of murdering his girlfriend

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Emmanuel, in connection with the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified only as Chinyere.

The suspect was arrested at his residence at Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, following information received by the police regarding the alleged murder.

The Command spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed the arrest on Tuesday in a statement issued at the Police Headquarters in GRA, Enugu.

According to the police, preliminary investigations show that the incident occurred on September 19, 2026, following an argument between Emmanuel and the deceased regarding the alleged source of HIV infection.

Ndukwe said the suspect allegedly hit the woman on the head with a pestle, after which he hid her body in the toilet of his apartment.

He stated, “On September 21, 2026, at approximately 6:30 p.m., following information that he allegedly murdered his girlfriend. Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly murdered the victim on September 19, wrapped her body in nylon and locked it inside the toilet of his apartment.”

“The unpleasant smell of the decomposing body then attracted the attention of neighbors, who forced open the door and arrested him before the police arrived. The decomposing body was evacuated to the morgue for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify his relatives.

“During initial interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that the incident occurred following an argument between him and the deceased regarding who allegedly transmitted the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) to another person. He further stated that, during the argument, he hit the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, and then wrapped and threw the body into the toilet,” the statement said.

Also read: Elections 2027: NDC hands over control to Obi and Kwankwaso over key campaign board nominations

A police spokesman said Emmanuel was initially confronted and arrested by residents after a rotting body was found.

Ndukwe noted that the suspect “was rescued from the angry mob and re-arrested by police officers on duty at Awkunanaw Division.”

The command said the victim’s body has been kept at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are underway to ascertain his complete identity and locate his relatives.

State Police Commissioner, 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 suspects are tried in court once investigations are completed.”

Giwa further advised the public to be careful in their personal interactions and movements.

Police bosses warned members of the public, “especially unsuspecting young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and be careful about who they visit or spend time with.”