Enugu man allegedly kills girlfriend over HIV infection argument

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Emmanuel, for allegedly killing his girlfriend following an argument over allegations of who infected the other with HIV in the Olympic Layout area of the state.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement on Tuesday.

Ndukwe said neighbours of the suspect allegedly discovered the decomposing body of his girlfriend in his apartment and alerted the police.

He said Emmanuel was re-arrested by operatives of the Awkunanaw Division at about 6:30pm on Monday after he was rescued from an angry mob.

According to the PPRO, preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly killed the woman, identified only as Chinyere, on September 19 and concealed her remains in the toilet of his apartment.

Ndukwe said the suspect allegedly wrapped the remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet, adding that the odour from the decomposing body later attracted neighbours.

“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 statement said.

Ndukwe said the remains had been evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to identify and notify the victim’s relatives.

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He added that Emmanuel allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation, claiming that the incident followed an argument with the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with HIV.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

“He further stated that, during the argument, he struck the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, and subsequently wrapped and dumped her remains inside the toilet,” Ndukwe said.

The PPRO said the Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, had ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the case.

He added that the suspect would be arraigned upon the conclusion of the investigation.

The command urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends about their movements and exercise caution when visiting or spending time with people.

PUNCH Metro had reported on June 16 that the Anambra State Police Command arrested a 33-year-old man, Ifechukwu Okechukwu, for allegedly killing his 23-year-old girlfriend and secretly burying her remains in Nkpor, Anambra State.

The suspect was among four persons arrested over alleged murder and child abuse in separate incidents across the state.