– Phones, Exhibits Recovered as Suspect Confesses to Crime
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested Emmanuel Gambo, a 22-year-old student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), in connection with the gruesome murder of Miss Deborah Sam-Praise Ememem, a 22-year-old woman who was found dead in a hotel room in Obukpa, Nsukka, last month.
This was disclosed in an official statement on Monday by the Police Public Relations Officer of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, who noted that the arrest followed an intensive, intelligence-led investigation carried out by detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID).
“The suspect, Emmanuel Gambo, a second-year student of Material and Metallurgical Engineering, UNN, was apprehended at his lodge in Nsukka on July 2, 2025. He has since confessed to the crime,” SP Ndukwe confirmed.
The incident, which sent shockwaves through the university community and the state at large, reportedly occurred on June 14, 2025, when the suspect checked into the hotel with the deceased under a false name.
“Findings revealed that a dispute broke out between the duo after a second round of sexual intercourse, during which the deceased allegedly demanded an extra ₦15,000 from the suspect, in addition to ₦5,000 already paid,” Ndukwe said.
“The disagreement escalated into violence, and the suspect strangled her to death.”In a chilling attempt to conceal the crime, Gambo reportedly wrapped the deceased’s body in a hotel towel and curtain and hid it under the bed.
It was not until June 16, when hotel staff perceived a foul odour emanating from the room, that the decomposing body was discovered.
The suspect had used a false name and unreachable phone number on the hotel’s registration form, which initially hindered police efforts to trace him.
However, SP Ndukwe revealed that meticulous intelligence gathering eventually led detectives to the suspect’s hideout.
“Upon arrest, the deceased’s iPhone was recovered in his possession, along with a bottle of Asconi Agor red wine she had brought to the hotel,” he said.
“He also led detectives to the recovery of her Redmi tablet and earbuds, which he had thrown out of the hotel room window in a bag.
”The Commissioner of Police, Enugu State Command, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, commended the detectives for their professionalism and determination in ensuring the suspect was brought to justice.
“This case reflects our unwavering resolve to uphold justice and ensure the safety and dignity of all citizens,” the CP stated.
He further urged parents and guardians to “remain vigilant and closely monitor the activities of their children and wards.”
The CP also warned young people to shun social vices, avoid harmful relationships, and resist the influence of negative peer pressure.
The suspect is currently in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
