The Enugu State Police command said it has arrested 51-year-old security man Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu for the gruesome murder of his 19-year-old maternal cousin sister, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu.

The suspect, Emmanuel Nwagwu a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, committed the crime at a pharmacy in Nsukka, where he was arrested.

The Commissioner of Police, CP 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.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Daniel Ndukwe said the victim reported the case of defilement, assault and threat to life to Umabor police station on November 28th and the suspect was arrested but pleaded for forgiveness.

The statement reads; “The Enugu State Police Command, through operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division, with the support of Neighbourhood Watch Group, on 1st December 2025, arrested one Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu (male, aged 51) for the gruesome murder of his maternal cousin sister, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, aged 19.

“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, CP 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. He 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, “it reads. (VANGUARD)