Operatives of the Enugu State Police Command have arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified only as Chinyere.
The victim’s surname, age and residential address had yet to be established as of Tuesday.
Emmanuel was arrested at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, after neighbours reportedly discovered the decomposing remains of the woman inside his apartment.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the incident was reported to the command on September 21, 2026, at about 6:30pm.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect allegedly killed the woman on September 19 following an argument over allegations concerning the source of an HIV infection.
The police said Emmanuel confessed during preliminary interrogation that the argument escalated until he struck Chinyere on the head with a pestle, causing her death.
He allegedly wrapped her body in nylon and concealed it inside the toilet of his apartment before locking the premises.
The offensive odour from the decomposing remains reportedly attracted the attention of neighbours, who forced their way into the apartment and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of the police.
Ndukwe said police operatives attached to the Awkunanaw Division subsequently rescued Emmanuel from an angry mob and took him into custody.
The victim’s remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to identify and locate her relatives.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure that the suspect is arraigned in court upon completion of the investigation.
The police commissioner also advised members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution when visiting or spending time with people and to keep trusted relatives or friends informed of their movements.
A video circulating on social media also showed a man with blood stains around his nose surrounded by several people. In another portion of the footage, a man was seen opening a door inside the apartment, revealing what appeared to be the decomposing body of a woman lying on the floor.