The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified as Chinyere.
The suspect was arrested on September 21, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m. by police operatives attached to the Awkunanaw Division after he was reportedly rescued from an angry mob.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that Emmanuel allegedly killed Chinyere on September 19 following an argument between the couple.
The suspect allegedly wrapped the victim’s remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.
The police said the offensive odour from the decomposing body later attracted neighbours, who reportedly forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of police operatives.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.
During preliminary interrogation, Emmanuel reportedly confessed to the killing and told investigators that the dispute arose from allegations by both parties over who had infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
He allegedly said that during the argument, he struck Chinyere on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death.
The suspect reportedly told police that he subsequently wrapped her remains and dumped them inside the toilet.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the incident.
The police said the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
