The woman allegedly killed by her boyfriend in Enugu State has been identified by the state police command as 27-year-old Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu.
Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, had recently completed her National Youth Service Corps programme before her death.
The Enugu police made the disclosure in a statement issued on Friday as investigations into the incident continued.
“Investigation has established the identity of the deceased as Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, aged 27, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science from the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT), who recently concluded her NYSC.”
Police authorities also said efforts to establish contact with the deceased’s family had been successful, adding that her relatives had been interviewed during the investigation.
“Her parents and siblings have also been identified and interviewed by the Commissioner of Police, alongside the suspect,” the statement added.
The state Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, assured Ugwu’s family that the authorities would ensure the case received due attention.
“The CP has reassured the family that justice will be served in the case,” the command said.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, was arrested after Ugwu was allegedly killed inside his residence in the Olympic Layout area of Enugu.
Police had earlier linked the incident to an argument between the couple concerning allegations over the source of an HIV infection.
According to the command, Emmanuel allegedly used a pestle to hit Ugwu on the head, leading to her death. The police further alleged that he wrapped her body in nylon and hid it inside the toilet of his apartment.
The alleged concealment came to light after residents reportedly noticed a strong odour coming from the apartment. Neighbours subsequently forced the door open, discovered the decomposing body and apprehended the suspect before police officers arrived.
Ugwu’s remains were later moved to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The suspect was also reportedly saved from an angry mob before officers from the Awkunanaw Division took him into custody.
Following the latest development, the police urged members of the public to be more careful in their relationships and encouraged people, particularly women, to keep trusted relatives or friends informed about their movements.
“Once again, be careful about who you go out with. Ladies, especially, let someone you trust know your whereabouts,” the statement said.
The command added, “Do not assume that because you know someone, you are necessarily safe with them. People can change.”
The police further stated, “Above all, stay vigilant, trust your instincts, and do all you can to avoid getting involved with the wrong person.”
