Police Arrest Enugu Man Who Allegedly Kills Girlfriend Over HIV Status, Hides Body in Toilet

• Police in Enugu have arrested a 30-year-old man accused of killing his girlfriend during an argument over HIV infection and concealing her body in his apartment.

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 30-year-old Okpara Emmanuel for allegedly killing his girlfriend during an argument over who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

The victim was identified only as Chinyere. Her surname, age and address had yet to be established.

The command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday at the State Headquarters, GRA, Enugu.

According to police, the alleged killing occurred on September 19, 2026, at the suspect’s residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu. Emmanuel allegedly wrapped the victim’s remains in nylon and concealed them in his apartment’s toilet.

He was apprehended on September 21 at about 6:30 pm after neighbours became suspicious.

“The offensive odour of the decomposing body subsequently attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended him before the arrival of the police. The putrefying remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.”

Ndukwe said the suspect was “rescued from an angry mob and re-arrested by police operatives attached to Awkunanaw Division.”

Police said Emmanuel admitted during preliminary interrogation that he struck Chinyere with a pestle during the argument.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime, stating that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). He further stated that, during the argument, he struck the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death, and subsequently wrapped and dumped her remains inside the toilet,” the statement partly read.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and “ensure the suspect is arraigned in court upon conclusion of investigations.”

Giwa also urged members of the public, “particularly unsuspecting young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends of their movements and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.”