The police in Enugu State, Nigeria, have arrested a 30-year-old man, Chibuike Okpara, for allegedly killing his girlfriend, Chinyere, and concealing her body in a toilet within his apartment. According to the state police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, the incident occurred at Olympic Layout, One-Day Area, Enugu State. The suspect was rescued from an angry mob and re-arrested by police operatives on September 21, 2026.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly killed the victim on September 19, 2026, wrapped her remains in a nylon, and locked them inside the toilet in his apartment. The putrid smell of the decomposing body attracted neighbors, who forced the door open and apprehended him before the police arrived. The police evacuated the remains to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and claimed that he murdered the victim following an argument over allegations of who infected the other with HIV. The suspect stated that he struck the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, and subsequently wrapped and dumped her remains inside the toilet.
Video clips obtained by Premium Times showed some neighbors beating up the suspect over the incident. Witnesses reported that the incident happened at the One-Day Area by Agbani Road in the state. In one of the clips, the suspect alleged that he killed his girlfriend because she allegedly wanted to infect him with HIV.
A neighbor was heard saying they recovered hard drugs from the suspect's apartment, although Premium Times could not independently verify the claim. The police are ongoing efforts to trace and notify the victim's relatives. The incident has raised concerns about the safety of young women and the need for caution when interacting with others.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to investigate the killing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. The commissioner directed the SCID to ensure that the suspect is prosecuted upon the conclusion of the investigation.
The commissioner also cautioned members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with. The police are working to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that justice is served.
Key points
- The suspect, Chibuike Okpara, allegedly killed his girlfriend over an argument about HIV infection.
- The police are investigating the incident and have ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department to ensure the suspect's prosecution.
- The commissioner of police has cautioned young women to exercise caution when interacting with others and to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements.
