The Police in Enugu State has said it is holding a 51-year-old local security operative, identified as Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, in custody for the alleged gruesome murder of his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu.
The incident reportedly happened on Monday at a Pharmacy shop in Nsukka, where Nwangwu, who serves with the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, allegedly attacked and killed the young girl, before he was subdued and arrested.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the victim had earlier reported a disturbing case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction and threat to life against the suspect on November 28th.
The deceased had told Police that she had lived with the suspect since 2019—when she was just 13—following the death of his wife, and that he had cut her off from family and friends, while subjecting her to repeated abuse.
Ndukwe said the girl had attempted to flee to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, but the suspect allegedly trailed her with a firearm, forced her back to his house in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka, and locked her in a room. She managed to escape again using a spare key and reported to the Police, who issued her a medical form for examination.
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The suspect and family members were invited to the station, where he reportedly confessed, begged for forgiveness and promised to return her belongings.
The family, citing close ties; declined prosecution at the time and opted for spiritual cleansing due to what they described as the incestuous and abominable nature of the act.
But that decision would prove fatal.
“Tragically, while receiving treatment at a Pharmacy in Nsukka, the suspect forced his way in, assaulted her, and struck her head repeatedly on the floor, causing fatal injuries.
The victim was taken to the hospital, where her death was confirmed and her remains deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy,” Ndukwe noted, adding that the suspect was rearrested and is now in Police custody.
(Editor: Ken Eseni)
