Police in Enugu State have arrested a 30-year-old man, Chibuike Okpara, over the alleged killing of his girlfriend at Olympic Layout, One-Day Area, in the state.
The state police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said Okpara was arrested on September 21, 2026, after residents reportedly found the decomposing body of the woman, identified as Chinyere, inside a toilet in his apartment.
According to Ndukwe, the suspect was initially rescued from an angry mob by officers from the Awkunanaw Police Division and taken into custody.
The police said preliminary investigations indicated that the woman was allegedly killed on September 19.
Ndukwe said the suspect reportedly confessed during questioning that he killed his girlfriend following an argument over allegations concerning HIV infection.
According to the police, Okpara told investigators that he struck the woman on the head with a pestle during the argument, causing her death.
He allegedly wrapped her body in nylon and concealed it inside the toilet before locking the room.
Police said the smell from the decomposing body later alerted neighbours, who reportedly forced their way into the apartment and discovered the remains.
The body was recovered and taken to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are underway to locate and notify the victim's relatives, the police said.
Video clips obtained from the scene showed some residents assaulting the suspect before police intervened. In one of the clips, the suspect was seen with his hands tied while making allegations about the circumstances surrounding the incident.
A neighbour also alleged that hard drugs were recovered from the suspect's apartment. However, that claim has not been independently verified.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the case and establish the circumstances surrounding the death.
The police commissioner also ordered that the suspect be prosecuted if the investigation establishes sufficient grounds for charges.
Giwa urged members of the public, particularly young women, to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their movements and to exercise caution when visiting or staying with others.
