The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 30-year-old man, Okpara Emmanuel, over the alleged murder of his girlfriend, identified simply as Chinyere.

The suspect was apprehended at his residence in Olympic Layout, One-Day, Enugu, following information about the alleged killing, the command’s spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said in a statement on Tuesday.

Ndukwe said preliminary investigations indicated that Emmanuel allegedly killed the woman on September 19 following an argument over allegations concerning who infected the other with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV).

During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to striking the deceased on the head with a pestle, resulting in her death.

He reportedly wrapped her remains in nylon and concealed them inside the toilet of his apartment.

According to the police, the offensive odour from the decomposing body attracted neighbours, who forced the door open and apprehended the suspect before the arrival of police operatives.

The deceased’s remains were evacuated to a mortuary for preservation and autopsy, while efforts were ongoing to trace and notify her relatives.

Ndukwe said the suspect was rescued from an angry mob and subsequently re-arrested by police operatives attached to the Awkunanaw Division.

The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure that the suspect is arraigned upon completion of the investigation.

Giwa also urged members of the public, particularly young women, to inform trusted relatives or friends about their movements and exercise caution regarding people they visit or spend time with.