The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend following an argument concerning Human Immunodeficiency Virus, HIV.
The suspect was also accused of concealing the woman’s body inside the toilet of his apartment in Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, after allegedly killing her.
The command’s spokesman, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed this in a statement issued on Tuesday. 
According to Ndukwe, operatives attached to the Awkunanaw Division re-arrested Emmanuel at about 6:30pm on Monday after rescuing him from an angry mob that had apprehended him over the alleged killing.
The victim was identified by the police simply as Chinyere.
Body discovered by neighbours
Ndukwe said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect allegedly killed Chinyere on September 19, wrapped her remains in nylon and locked them inside the toilet of his apartment.
The police said the decomposing body later began to emit an offensive odour, which attracted the attention of neighbours.
The neighbours reportedly forced the door open and apprehended Emmanuel before the arrival of police operatives.
The victim’s remains were subsequently evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while the police said efforts were ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.
Suspect allegedly confesses
The police spokesman said preliminary interrogation indicated that Emmanuel confessed to the alleged crime.
According to Ndukwe, the suspect told investigators that the incident followed an argument with his girlfriend over allegations concerning who infected the other with HIV.
The suspect allegedly stated that the argument escalated before he struck Chinyere on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death.
He allegedly subsequently wrapped her remains and dumped them inside the toilet of his apartment, where they were later discovered by neighbours.
The police said further investigation would be required to establish the full circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and verify the suspect’s account.
The Commissioner of Police in Enugu State, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to conduct a discreet and thorough investigation into the case.
Giwa also ordered that the suspect be arraigned in court after the conclusion of investigations and the establishment of the facts of the case.
The police said investigators would continue efforts to trace the victim’s relatives and establish all relevant circumstances surrounding the alleged murder.
The Commissioner also cautioned members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution about whom they visit or spend time with.
He urged them to ensure that trusted relatives or friends are informed of their movements as part of measures to enhance personal safety.
