Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 51-year-old Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu for the gruesome murder of his maternal cousin sister, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, aged 19..
Operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division, with the support of Neighbourhood Watch Group, made the arrest on 1st December 2025.
Police public relations officer, Enugu state police command, SP Daniel Ndukwe in a statement made available to Newsmen on Tuesday in Enugu said the suspect, a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, committed the crime at a pharmacy in Nsukka, where he was arrested.
According to Ndukwe, the deceased had earlier reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threat to life against the suspect on 28th November 2025 to Umabor Division. She alleged that she had been living with the suspect since 2019, at age 13, after the death of his wife, and that he had restricted her communication with family and friends and subjected her to sexual abuse.
After attempting to escape to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the suspect allegedly threatened her with a firearm, forcing her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where she was locked up in a room. She later escaped using a spare key and reported the incident to the police, who issued her a medical report form for examination. The suspect and family were invited to the station, where he confessed, sought forgiveness, and promised to return her property. The family, citing personal ties, initially chose not to prosecute the case but opted for spiritual cleansing due to the incestuous and abominable act against the victim.
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. The suspect was rearrested and is in police custody.
The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the crime and the cruel manner in which it was committed, consoling the family and assuring the public that justice will be served.
According to the police public relations officer, the Commissioner has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to investigate the case meticulously and ensure that it is charged to court within record time.
