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Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have detained a 30-year-old man, Emmanuel Okpara, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified simply as Chinyere, at Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu.
The Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Tuesday, noting that the deceased’s surname, age, and address have yet to be established.
Ndukwe stated that police operatives attached to the Awkunanaw Division rescued the suspect from an angry mob at approximately 6:30 p.m. on September 21, following reports that he had murdered his partner.
Preliminary investigations revealed that Okpara allegedly committed the crime on September 19, wrapped the deceased’s body in nylon, and locked it inside his apartment’s toilet. The decomposing body emitted a strong odor that alerted neighbors, who broke into the room, apprehended Okpara, and handed him over to the arriving police officers.
The victim’s remains have been evacuated to the mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while police continue efforts to trace her family.
According to the police statement, Okpara confessed during preliminary interrogation that the attack occurred during a heated altercation over allegations of who had infected the other with HIV. He admitted to striking Chinyere on the head with a pestle, causing her death, before attempting to conceal the body.
Reacting to the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Mamman Giwa, directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the suspect is promptly prosecuted upon completion of the inquiry.
The Commissioner also urged the public, particularly young women, to always inform trusted friends or family members of their whereabouts and exercise caution regarding their personal safety.
