Follow Us on Google
From Jude Chinedu, Enugu
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Chibuike Emmanuel Okpara, for allegedly killing his girlfriend and hiding her remains in the toilet of his apartment at Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu.
The suspect was arrested on Monday after neighbours, who were attracted by the offensive odour from the apartment, reportedly forced the door open and found the decomposing remains of the woman.
The police said the victim, identified only as Chinyere, was killed on September 19 following an argument between her and the suspect over allegations of who infected the other with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
The police said Emmanuel allegedly struck the woman on the head with a pestle during the argument, resulting in her death. The suspect allegedly wrapped the body in a nylon sheet and locked it inside the toilet before the decomposing remains were discovered.
A statement by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect was rescued from an angry mob and re-arrested by operatives of the Awkunanaw Police Division, by 6:30pm, on Monday.
“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,” the statement said.
Other News
The police said the offensive odour from the decomposing body attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of police operatives.
The victim’s remains have been evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to establish her full identity and locate her relatives.
During preliminary interrogation, the police said the suspect confessed to the crime and explained that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of HIV infection.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the incident. He directed that the suspect be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Giwa also cautioned members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends about their movements and exercise caution about people they visit or spend time with.
The police said investigations are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.
