Enugu Police Arrest Man For Alleged Murder Of 19-Year-Old Cousin
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 51-year-old man, Emmanuel Nwangwu, for allegedly killing his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu.
The incident reportedly occurred at a pharmacy in the Umuabor community, Nsukka Local Government Area, where the victim had gone to seek medical attention.
According to available information, Emmanuel, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch who lost his wife in 2019, had taken custody of Loveth when she was 13 years old, after pleading with her parents to allow her stay with him so he could support her education. Instead of fulfilling this promise, he allegedly subjected her to repeated sexual abuse and isolated her from her family.
Emmanuel was also said to have frequently locked the teenager indoors and threatened to kill her parents and siblings if she reported the abuse or attempted to escape.
Giving further details, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in Enugu State, Daniel Ndukwe, stated that Loveth fled to the Umuabor Police Station last month and filed a complaint of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threats to her life on November 28, 2025.
Before then, when she attempted to return to her family in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the suspect allegedly threatened her with a firearm and forced her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where he locked her in a room. She later escaped using a spare key and reported the incident to the police. Officers issued her a medical examination form, and the suspect and her family were invited to the station. Emmanuel reportedly confessed, begged for forgiveness, and promised to return her belongings. The family, citing personal ties, initially chose not to prosecute, opting instead for spiritual cleansing due to the incestuous nature of the abuse.
Ndukwe further revealed that tragedy struck when Loveth was receiving treatment at a pharmacy in Nsukka. The suspect allegedly forced his way into the premises, assaulted her, and repeatedly slammed her head on the floor, inflicting fatal injuries.
She was rushed to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead. Her body has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
The police spokesperson added that the suspect has been rearrested and remains in custody. The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has condemned the heinous crime and assured the public that justice will be served. He has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure the case is promptly charged to court.
