The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, over the alleged killing of his girlfriend, identified as Chinyere.
The command said the woman’s surname, age and residential address had yet to be ascertained.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.
According to the statement, Emmanuel, who resides in Olympic Layout, One-Day area of Enugu, was arrested after police operatives attached to the Awkunanaw Division rescued him from an angry mob.
His arrest followed a report that he had allegedly murdered his girlfriend.
The police said preliminary investigations showed that the woman was allegedly killed on September 19, after which her remains were wrapped in nylon and hidden inside the toilet of the suspect’s apartment.
The alleged crime was reportedly uncovered after neighbours became suspicious of a foul smell coming from the apartment.
The neighbours were said to have forced the door open, where they allegedly discovered the decomposing body and apprehended Emmanuel before the arrival of the police.
Police operatives subsequently evacuated the remains and deposited them at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The command added that efforts were ongoing to establish the identity of the deceased and locate her family members.
During preliminary interrogation, the police said Emmanuel admitted to the alleged killing and claimed that it occurred following an argument with the deceased over accusations concerning HIV infection.
The suspect allegedly told investigators that he struck the woman on the head with a pestle during the dispute, resulting in her death.
He allegedly concealed the body in the toilet after wrapping it in nylon.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and conduct a thorough investigation.
Giwa directed that the suspect be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
The police commissioner also advised members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution when visiting people or spending time with acquaintances.
He urged them to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their whereabouts as part of measures to enhance their safety.
