The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified as Chinyere.
The suspect was arrested on Monday, September 21, 2026, by operatives of the Awkunanaw Police Division after he was allegedly apprehended by an angry mob following the discovery of the woman’s decomposing body in his apartment.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that the incident occurred on September 19, when Emmanuel allegedly struck the deceased on the head with a pestle during an argument.
The police said the argument was reportedly centred on allegations by both parties over who infected whom with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).
Following the incident, the suspect allegedly wrapped the woman’s remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.
The police said the offensive odour from the decomposing body later attracted neighbours, who forced the apartment door open and allegedly apprehended the suspect before the arrival of the police.
The suspect was subsequently rescued from the mob and taken into police custody.
The victim’s remains have been evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to identify and notify her relatives.
During preliminary interrogation, the police said the suspect confessed to the incident and narrated how the argument allegedly escalated before the fatal assault.
The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the case.
The command said the suspect would be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
