The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man following the alleged killing of his girlfriend and the discovery of her decomposing remains inside the toilet of his apartment.
The suspect, identified by police as Okpara Emmanuel, was arrested after neighbours reportedly noticed a strong odour coming from his residence in the Olympic Layout area of Enugu.
According to the police, the victim, identified only as Chinyere, was allegedly killed on September 19, 2026. Her remains were reportedly wrapped and concealed inside the toilet before neighbours eventually became suspicious because of the smell.
The incident was disclosed by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, in a statement issued on Tuesday.
Neighbours discover decomposing remains
Police said the case came to light after residents in the area detected an offensive smell coming from the suspect’s apartment.
The neighbours reportedly forced their way into the residence, where they discovered the decomposing body of the woman inside the toilet.
They allegedly apprehended Emmanuel before the police arrived. Officers subsequently intervened and rescued him from an angry crowd.
The suspect was later taken into police custody and re-arrested by officers attached to the Awkunanaw Division at about 6:30pm on September 21.
Police link alleged killing to HIV argument
During preliminary questioning, police said Emmanuel allegedly confessed to killing his girlfriend.
According to the police account, the suspect told investigators that a disagreement had developed between him and Chinyere over allegations concerning who had infected the other with HIV.
The argument allegedly became violent, with Emmanuel reportedly telling investigators that he struck the woman on the head with a pestle.
Police said the blow allegedly resulted in her death, after which the suspect reportedly wrapped her remains in a nylon bag and concealed them inside the toilet.
The HIV-related motive remains an allegation contained in the preliminary police investigation and has not been established by a court.
Body taken for autopsy
Following the discovery, police evacuated the victim’s remains to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Authorities are also working to locate and inform members of Chinyere’s family, according to the police.
The autopsy is expected to form part of the evidence available to investigators as they work to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death.
Suspect faces further investigation
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a thorough investigation into the incident.
Police said the suspect will be prosecuted after the investigation is concluded.
The authorities have not disclosed whether additional suspects have been identified or whether other circumstances surrounding the relationship between Emmanuel and the deceased are being investigated.
Police also appealed to members of the public to exercise caution and keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their movements, particularly when visiting people or places where they may feel vulnerable.
Police continue probe
The case has attracted attention following the disturbing circumstances surrounding the discovery of the victim’s remains.
For now, the police investigation is expected to establish the full sequence of events leading to Chinyere’s death, while the autopsy and other evidence will form part of the case against the suspect.
Emmanuel remains an accused person at this stage, and the allegations against him will ultimately be subject to due legal process.
