The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 51-year-old man, Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, for the killing of his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, in Nsukka.
The arrest was carried out on December 1, 2025, by operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division with support from the local Neighbourhood Watch Group.
According to a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect — a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group — was apprehended at a pharmacy in Nsukka where the incident occurred.
Prior to the tragic development, the deceased had on November 28, 2025, reported a case of defilement, abuse, abduction, and threats to life against the suspect at Umabor Police Division. She alleged that she had lived with him since 2019, from the age of 13, following the death of his wife, and that he had isolated her from family and subjected her to prolonged sexual abuse.
While attempting to flee to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the victim reported that the suspect allegedly threatened her with a firearm and forced her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where she was locked in a room. She later escaped using a spare key and reported the matter to the police, who issued a medical report for examination.
The family and suspect were invited for questioning, during which he confessed to the allegations, pleaded for forgiveness, and promised to return her personal belongings. Due to family ties, relatives initially opted not to pursue prosecution, choosing instead to seek spiritual cleansing over what they described as an incestuous and abominable act.
The police said tragedy struck when the suspect confronted the young woman again while she was receiving medical attention at a pharmacy. An altercation ensued, during which she sustained critical injuries. She was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Her body has been deposited in the mortuary pending autopsy, while the suspect, who was immediately rearrested, remains in custody.
Condemning the incident, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, described it as “cruel and deeply disturbing,” assuring that the Command would ensure justice is served.
“This is a heart-breaking case, and the Command will pursue it diligently to ensure that justice is delivered,” the Commissioner said, consoling the bereaved family.
He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to “conduct a meticulous investigation and ensure the matter is charged to court without delay.”
SP Daniel Ndukwe reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to the safety of residents and urged the public to report domestic and gender-based abuses promptly, stressing that early intervention can prevent tragedies.
