The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 51-year-old man, Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, for the gruesome murder of his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, days after she reported him for defilement, abduction, and threats to life.
The suspect, a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, was arrested on 1 December 2025 by operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division with support from the local Neighbourhood Watch Group at a pharmacy in Nsukka, where the fatal attack took place.
Confirming the development, SP Daniel Ndukwe, Police Public Relations Officer, Enugu State Command, said: “The suspect was arrested for the gruesome murder of his 19-year-old cousin, who had earlier reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threats to life against him on 28 November 2025.”
According to the Police, the deceased had alleged that she had been living with the suspect since 2019 at age 13, following the death of his wife. During that period, he allegedly restricted her communication with family and friends and subjected her to persistent sexual abuse.
Police investigations revealed that after she attempted to flee to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the suspect allegedly threatened her with a firearm and forced her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where he locked her in a room. She eventually escaped using a spare key and reported the matter to the police, who issued her a medical form for examination.
Ndukwe explained: “The suspect, upon being invited to the police station, confessed to the allegations, begged for forgiveness, and promised to return the victim’s property. However, her family, citing personal ties, opted not to prosecute the matter and instead chose spiritual cleansing due to the incestuous nature of the act.”
Tragically, before the case could progress, the suspect traced the victim to a pharmacy where she was receiving treatment and attacked her. He allegedly forced his way into the premises and repeatedly slammed her head on the floor, leading to severe injuries.
She was rushed to the hospital but was confirmed dead. Her body has been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The suspect was immediately rearrested and is now in police custody.
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Giwa condemned the killing, describing it as “cruel, inhuman, and utterly unacceptable.” He extended condolences to the bereaved family and assured the public that the Command would pursue justice without delay.
He has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to conduct a meticulous investigation and ensure the case is promptly charged to court.
Ndukwe added: “The Commissioner of Police has ordered a thorough investigation to ensure justice is served. The Command will not tolerate such barbaric acts.”
