30-year-old man kills girlfriend over dispute on HIV infection

The Enugu State Police Command has detained a 30-year-old man, Emmanuel Okpara, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified as Chinyere, in Enugu, the state capital.

The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday, September 22, 2026.

Ndukwe noted that the suspect was rescued from an angry mob and detained by police operatives attached to Awkunanaw Division at about 6:30 p.m. on Monday, September 21.

Ndukwe added that the rescue followed information reaching police that Okpara had allegedly murdered his girlfriend.

He stated: “Preliminary investigation indicates that the suspect allegedly killed the victim on September 19, wrapped her remains in a nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.

“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 remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts are ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.”

Ndukwe said during preliminary interrogation, the 30-year-old man confessed to the crime.

Ndukwe said the suspect confessed that the incident followed an argument between him and the deceased over allegations of who infected the other with HIV.

The police spokesperson stated that during the argument, Okpara hit the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death.

Okpara was alleged to have subsequently wrapped and dumped her remains inside his toilet.

Ndukwe added that the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The commissioner directed the SCID to ensure that the suspect was arraigned upon the conclusion of investigations.

He warned the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends about their whereabouts and exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.