A 30-year-old man identified as Emmanuel Okpara has been arrested in Enugu over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Chinyere.
The suspect, of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, allegedly beat his girlfriend to death over argument of who between them infected the other with HIV.
Okpara had allegedly after the murder hidden the remains of the lady in his toilet.
However, his neighbours forced the door to his apartment open and discovered the remains and subsequently alerted the police.
The spokesperson for Enugu Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, confirmed the incident in a statement on Tuesday.
Ndukwe explained that Chinyere’s surname, age and address had yet to be established.
He stated that the suspect was rescued from an angry mob and detained by police operatives attached to Awkunanaw Division at about 6:30pm on September 21.
He added that “the rescue followed information reaching the police that Okpara had allegedly murdered his girlfriend.
“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 offensive odour of the decomposing body subsequently attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended him before the arrival of the police.
“The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives,” the statement added.
It further stated that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime.
Ndukwe explained that the suspect confessed that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with HIV.
He further stated that during the argument, Okpara hit the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death.
He was alleged to have subsequently wrapped and dumped her remains inside his toilet.
According to Ndukwe, the Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The commissioner directed the SCID to ensure that the suspect was arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.
He cautioned the public, particularly unsuspecting young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends about their whereabouts and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.
- NAN