ENUGU — Tragedy struck in Enugu State as the Police Command arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, for allegedly killing his girlfriend after a heated argument over HIV infection.
The incident happened at Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu, where the suspect allegedly murdered his girlfriend identified simply as Chinyere.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect allegedly hit the victim on the head with a pestle during the argument over who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Body Hidden In Toilet
Police investigation revealed that after killing her on September 19, Emmanuel wrapped her remains in nylon and locked it inside the toilet of his apartment.
The decomposing body later emitted offensive odour which attracted neighbours. The neighbours forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before handing him over to police.
Ndukwe said operatives attached to Awkunanaw Division re-arrested the suspect at about 6:30pm on Monday after rescuing him from an angry mob.
The victim’s body has been evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her family.
Suspect Confesses
SP Ndukwe said the suspect confessed to the crime during preliminary interrogation, admitting that the argument over HIV status escalated before he struck her with a pestle.
Police said discreet investigation is ongoing to establish full circumstances surrounding the murder.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the suspect is charged to court after investigation.
The CP also advised young women to be cautious about whom they visit and to always inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements for personal safety.
