The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, for allegedly murdering his girlfriend and concealing her remains in the toilet of his apartment at Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, said the suspect was arrested on September 21, at about 6:30 p.m., by operatives of the Awkunanaw Police Division after he was rescued from an angry mob that had apprehended him following information about the alleged murder.
The victim was identified only as Chinyere, as her surname, age and address have yet to be established.
According to Ndukwe, preliminary investigation showed that the suspect allegedly killed the woman on September 19, wrapped her remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.
He said the offensive odour from the decomposing remains attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of the Police.
The remains were subsequently evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.
The Police spokesman said that during preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to the killing, claiming that it followed an argument with the deceased over allegations concerning who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV.
Ndukwe said the suspect alleged that he struck the woman on the head with a pestle during the argument, resulting in her death, before wrapping and concealing her remains in the toilet.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The Police said the suspect would be arraigned in court upon completion of investigations, while the Commissioner advised members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and exercise caution about people they visit or spend time with.
