Enugu man kills cousin four days after she accused him of sexual abuse

By Ayorinde Oluokun

A 51-year old man identified as Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu has been arrested for allegedly killing his 19-year-old female cousin Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, at a pharmacy in Nsukka town, Enugu State.

Loveth was being treated for the sexual abuse inflicted on her by the suspect who is a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group in the community, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the spokesperson of Enugu Police Command said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Nwangwu killed Loveth on Monday, Ist December about for days after deceased reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threat to life against him to Umabor Police Division.

Loveth 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.

She said after attempting to escape to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North LGA, the suspect threatened her with a firearm, forcing her back to his residence in Ibeku-Opi, Nsukka LGA, where she was locked up in a room.

The deceased 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 ,” Ndukwe said of the gruesome murder in his statement.

He added that Enugu 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.

According to the statement, CP Giwa has also directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to investigate the case meticulously and ensure that it is charged to court within record time.