The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Kosisochukwu Edward Ibekwe, over the alleged murder of 23-year-old nursing student, Chiamaka Vivian Chilaka, in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Chilaka, an ND II student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, was found dead at her off-campus residence on June 14, 2026, in a case that sparked public outrage and widespread calls for justice.
Following the incident, the deceased’s landlord, Ogochukwu Ugoeze, was arrested and questioned after residents raised suspicions about his possible involvement. The case was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
However, the police have now disclosed that a new suspect has been arrested in connection with the killing and that the landlord has been exonerated.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the command’s spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, said Ibekwe was arrested on September 4 following what he described as “credible and actionable information” received by the police.
According to Ikenga, preliminary investigation showed that the suspect allegedly gained access to the building by climbing over the fence with the aid of a ladder.
The police spokesman said the suspect allegedly entered the building with the initial intention of sexually assaulting Chilaka.
Ikenga added that, based on the suspect’s statement to the police, a struggle subsequently broke out between him and the deceased.
During the alleged struggle, Ibekwe reportedly used a knife to stab Chilaka, resulting in her death.
“The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old male suspect, Kosisochukwu Edward Ibekwe, in connection with the murder of Miss Vivian Chilaka, a 23-year-old nursing student, whose tragic death in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area, on June 14, 2026, attracted widespread public concern,” the statement said.
The police further disclosed that the suspect had allegedly made revelations linking him to other similar incidents within the community.
However, the command said those claims were still being investigated and would have to be corroborated before any further conclusions could be reached.
Landlord Exonerated
The police also clarified that the landlord, who was initially suspected in connection with Chilaka’s death, had been cleared following the ongoing investigation.
The command urged members of the public to disregard earlier suspicions against him.
“The Command, therefore, urges members of the public to disregard any earlier suspicion against him,” Ikenga said.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigators continue probing the murder and his alleged links to other criminal incidents in the area.
Police Commend Community
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, commended residents of Alor for their cooperation and patience throughout the investigation.
Ama particularly praised members of the community who provided information that helped the police make what the command described as a significant breakthrough in the case.
The commissioner assured the public that the command would continue to pursue credible leads and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice in accordance with the law.
The police command also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, strengthening public confidence in policing, and ensuring that perpetrators of violent crimes do not escape justice.
Chilaka’s death had earlier generated widespread concern, with students and youth groups in Idemili South calling for justice and improved security following the killing.
