Pecohub The Enugu State Police Command has announced the arrest a 51-year-old man, Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, for allegedly murdering his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, in Nsukka, barely days after she reported him to the police for alleged sexual abuse, defilement, and threats to her life.
Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, describing the incident as a “gruesome and heartbreaking tragedy” that occurred amid the yuletide season.
According to the police, operatives of the Nsukka Urban Division, assisted by members of the Neighbourhood Watch Group, arrested the suspect on Monday, December 1 at a pharmacy in Nsukka where the attack occurred.
Police records show that Loveth had filed a complaint on November 28 at Umabor Division, alleging that she had been living with the suspect since 2019, when she was 13, after his wife died. During that period, she reportedly suffered sexual abuse, abduction, restriction of communication, and threats to her life.
The statement noted that Loveth said she managed to flee to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, but the suspect allegedly trailed her, threatened her with a firearm, and forcibly returned her to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA.
She was said to have been locked up before escaping again to report the matter to the police.
Police issued her a medical form for examination and invited both families for questioning. During the initial engagement, the suspect allegedly confessed to some of the allegations.
“He sought forgiveness and promised to return the victim’s property,” the statement said.
Loveth’s family, reportedly citing cultural and familial sensitivities, initially chose not to pursue criminal charges but opted for “spiritual cleansing due to the incestuous and abominable act.”
Tragically, the situation escalated when Loveth, who was receiving medical treatment at a pharmacy, was attacked by the suspect.
“The suspect forcefully gained access into the pharmacy, assaulted the victim, and repeatedly smashed her head on the floor,” SP Ndukwe stated.
She was rushed to a hospital where she was confirmed dead. Her body has been deposited in a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Police operatives immediately rearrested the suspect, who is now in custody.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killing, calling it “cruel, inhuman, and utterly unacceptable.”
“This is a deeply disturbing crime, and I assure the family and the public that the Command will leave no stone unturned,” Giwa said. “Justice must be served, and it will be served.”
He has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to conduct a “meticulous investigation” and ensure the case is charged to court “within record time.”
The incident has shocked residents in Nsukka and surrounding communities, many of whom are grappling with the troubling details of alleged long-term abuse and the violent nature of Loveth’s death.
The police are urging the public to remain calm and allow investigators to conclude their work.
