ENUGU, Nigeria — A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has reportedly admitted to killing his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, following an argument over HIV, according to an account released by the Enugu State Police Command.
The suspect gave the account during an interview with the command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, which was shared on social media on Friday.
Police identified Ugwu as a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), Enugu. She had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme.
Suspect Recounts Events Leading to Girlfriend’s Death
According to his account, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, after he allegedly told Ugwu that he could cure people living with hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis.
Emmanuel said Ugwu accused him of infecting her with HIV, triggering an argument that escalated into a physical confrontation.
He claimed that Ugwu initially attacked him with a pestle and that he took it from her before striking her, causing her to collapse.
The suspect further admitted using a machete to inflict injuries on her wrist, head and neck.
His account contains graphic details of the alleged attack. The allegations have not been independently established in court.
Body Allegedly Hidden in Toilet
Emmanuel said he subsequently placed Ugwu’s body in a black nylon bag and moved it to a toilet, where it remained until neighbours reportedly noticed an offensive smell and raised the alarm.
He also admitted damaging Ugwu’s Samsung mobile phone, saying he feared it could be used to trace him.
The suspect said her iPhone had been switched off before the incident after she complained that it was faulty.
According to his account, he met Ugwu on Facebook in 2023 and resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed he had intended to marry her and had spoken with her mother before her death.
Suspect Appeals for Mercy
During the interview, Emmanuel said he was not fully aware of his actions at the time and suggested that he might have been under the influence of a substance. That explanation has not been independently verified.
He appealed for forgiveness and mercy, saying he had been praying over the incident.
The suspect’s explanation does not determine criminal responsibility, which must be established through the legal process.
Police Direct Investigation, Possible Court Charge
The Enugu State Police Command said the deceased’s parents and siblings had been identified and interviewed by the Commissioner of Police. The command also confirmed that the suspect had been interviewed.
Police said the Commissioner had directed that the investigation be concluded and the suspect charged to court.
The incident was initially reported on September 23, following the announcement of Emmanuel’s arrest. Police said neighbours discovered the decomposing body after noticing an offensive odour coming from the apartment. The suspect was reportedly arrested after being rescued from an angry mob.
The command also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted people of their whereabouts when going out.
The case remains subject to police investigation and judicial proceedings.
