The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, over the alleged killing of his girlfriend, identified only as Chinyere, whose decomposing remains were reportedly discovered concealed inside the toilet of his apartment.
Emmanuel, a resident of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, was arrested on Monday, September 21, following information received by the police about the alleged incident.
According to the police, the tragedy occurred on September 19 after an argument between Emmanuel and the woman.
The suspect allegedly struck Chinyere on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, before wrapping her remains in nylon and concealing them inside the toilet.
The alleged concealment reportedly came to light after neighbours were said to have noticed a foul odour emanating from the apartment. The neighbours allegedly forced their way into the premises, where they reportedly discovered the woman’s body and apprehended Emmanuel.
A video circulating online shows the suspect being confronted by residents before police operatives from the Awkunanaw Division arrived and rescued him from an angry mob at about 6:30pm.
The police said the victim’s remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to locate her relatives.
During preliminary interrogation, police said Emmanuel confessed to the incident and claimed that the argument leading to the alleged attack was connected to allegations that either he or the woman had infected the other with HIV.
In another video, the suspect was heard alleging that Chinyere had threatened to infect him with HIV. He also claimed that she had previously attacked him with a stick while he was sleeping and that, on the day of the incident, he woke up to find her allegedly attempting to kill him.
When questioned about the woman’s death, the suspect reportedly claimed that HIV, rather than his actions, was responsible for her death.
Those questioning him reportedly rejected the claim, pointing out that HIV does not cause a person to die suddenly in the manner suggested.
The circumstances surrounding Chinyere’s death have not been conclusively established.
The State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the case.
The police said the suspect will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Authorities are expected to rely on the autopsy, forensic evidence, witness statements and other findings to establish the circumstances and cause of the woman’s death.
Until the investigation and judicial process are concluded, the allegations against Emmanuel remain allegations.