The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel over the alleged killing of his girlfriend, identified only as Chinyere, whose remains were reportedly found concealed in the toilet of his apartment.
Emmanuel, a resident of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, was arrested on Monday, September 21, after police received information about the alleged incident. A video shows locals confronting him after reportedly finding the naked body of a woman on the floor of his bathroom. Police said he was rescued from an angry mob and arrested by operatives of the Awkunanaw Division at about 6:30pm.
According to the police, the incident occurred on September 19 following an argument between Emmanuel and the woman. He allegedly struck her on the head with a pestle, killing her, before wrapping her remains in nylon and hiding them inside his toilet.
The decomposing body was reportedly discovered after its odour attracted neighbours, who allegedly forced their way into the apartment and apprehended Emmanuel before police arrived. The remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts continue to locate the victim’s relatives.
Police said Emmanuel confessed during preliminary interrogation and claimed the argument was over allegations that either of them had infected the other with HIV.
In another video, the suspect pleaded and claimed the woman had threatened to infect him with HIV. He also alleged that she had repeatedly hit him with a stick while he was sleeping and that he woke up and saw that she wanted to kill him.
When asked why he killed her, he reportedly claimed that HIV killed her, not him. The men questioning him became angry and told him HIV does not kill someone suddenly.
The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain unclear. CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa has directed the State CID to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation. Police said Emmanuel will be arraigned after investigations.
