A 30-year-old man, Okpara Chibuike Emmanuel, has allegedly confessed to killing his 27-year-old girlfriend, Chinyere Rosemary Ugwu, following an argument over HIV.
Emmanuel gave the account during an interview with the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, shared on social media on Friday.
The police identified Ugwu as a Medical Laboratory Science graduate of the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, who recently completed her National Youth Service Corps programme.
According to Emmanuel, the incident occurred around midnight on September 19, 2026, after he told Ugwu he could cure hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis. He said she subsequently accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to an argument and physical confrontation.
“She held the pestle and started hitting me but I had to withdraw it from her. I hit her which caused her to collapse,” he said.
Emmanuel allegedly admitted using a machete to inflict injuries on Ugwu’s wrist, head and neck after she collapsed. He said he later wrapped her remains in a black nylon bag and moved them to a toilet, where they were discovered after neighbours noticed an offensive odour.
He also admitted damaging her Samsung phone because he feared it could be used to trace him.
The suspect said he met Ugwu on Facebook in 2023 and resumed their relationship after she returned to Enugu in 2026. He claimed he had intended to marry her and had spoken with her mother.
Emmanuel said he was not fully aware of his actions at the time and suggested that he may have been under the influence of a substance. He pleaded for forgiveness and asked the government to temper justice with mercy.
The police said the deceased’s parents and siblings had been interviewed, while the suspect had also been questioned.
The Commissioner of Police directed that the investigation be concluded and Emmanuel charged to court.
The command also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted persons of their whereabouts when going out.