Police detain 30-year-old for alleged gruesome murder of girlfriend, concealing remains
The Police Command in Enugu State has detained Emmanuel Okpara, 30, of Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified as Chinyere.
The Command’s Spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement issued on Tuesday in Enugu, said that Chinyere’s surname, age and address are yet to be established.
Ndukwe noted that the suspect was rescued from an angry mob and re-detained by police operatives attached to Awkunanaw Division on Sept. 21, at about 6:30 p.m.
He said that the rescue followed information reaching the police that he had allegedly murdered his girlfriend.
“Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly killed the victim on Sept. 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 putrefying remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives,” he said.
The police spokesman said that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime.
Ndukwe said that the suspect confessed that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
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.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Mamman Giwa, had ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances of the incident.
The commissioner directed the CID to ensure that the suspect is arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.
He cautioned members of the public, particularly unsuspecting young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.