The Enugu State Police Command has detained a 30-year-old man, Emmanuel Okpara, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified as Chinyere, at Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu.
The police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued in Enugu on Tuesday, saying the suspect was rescued from an angry mob by operatives of the Awkunanaw Division.
According to Ndukwe, the police received information about the incident at about 6:30 p.m. on September 21, after neighbours allegedly discovered the decomposing body in the suspect’s apartment.
Preliminary investigation indicated that Okpara allegedly killed the woman on September 19, wrapped her remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet.
Ndukwe said the offensive odour from the decomposing body attracted neighbours, who reportedly forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of the police.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to establish her full identity and locate her relatives.
The police spokesperson said the suspect allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation that the incident followed an argument over accusations concerning who infected the other with HIV.
According to the police, Okpara allegedly hit Chinyere on the head with a pestle during the argument, resulting in her death, before concealing her remains in the toilet.
Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the case.
The command said the suspect would be arraigned after the conclusion of investigations.
The police commissioner also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution and keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts when visiting others.
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