Police Arrest Security Guard In Enugu For Alleged Murder of 19-Year-Old Cousin

The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 51-year-old man, Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, for the alleged murder of his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, in Nsukka, Enugu State.

This was disclosed in a statement issued on Tuesday by the Police Public Relations Officer, Daniel Ndukwe.

According to the statement, Mr. Nwangwu, a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, was arrested on 1 December 2025 by operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division with assistance from Neighbourhood Watch personnel.

The police said the suspect had earlier been accused by the deceased of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threats to life, following a report she made at the Umabor Police Division on 28 November 2025.

The late Ms. Nwangwu reportedly told investigators that she had been living with the suspect since 2019, when she was 13, after the death of his wife. She alleged that the suspect isolated her from family and friends and subjected her to continuous sexual abuse.

She further claimed that after she attempted to flee to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the suspect threatened her with a firearm and forced her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where he allegedly confined her in a locked room. She eventually escaped using a spare key and reported the case to the police.

Upon her complaint, the police issued a medical form for examination and invited both parties. The suspect reportedly confessed to the allegations and pleaded for forgiveness.

The family, citing personal and cultural considerations, opted not to pursue prosecution at the time, expressing preference for “spiritual cleansing” due to the incestuous nature of the alleged abuse.

However, the police said tragedy struck days later when Ms. Nwangwu visited a pharmacy for treatment. The suspect allegedly stormed the premises, assaulted her, and repeatedly smashed her head on the floor.

She was rushed to a hospital where doctors confirmed her dead. Her body has been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

Mr. Nwangwu was immediately rearrested and is currently in police custody.

Condemning the killing, Enugu CP, Bitrus Giwa described the act as “cruel and unacceptable” and assured the public that justice would be served.

He ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to conduct a thorough investigation and ensure the case is promptly charged to court.