Enugu Teen Murdered by 51-Year-Old Cousin Days After Reporting Sexual Abuse to Authorities
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 51-year-old Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu for the alleged murder of his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, in Nsukka. The suspect, a member of the Neighbourhood Security Watch Group, was apprehended on Monday, December 1, at a pharmacy where the crime occurred.
According to the Command’s spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the victim had on November 28, 2025, reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threat to life against the suspect at the Umabor Police Division. She alleged that she had lived with him since 2019, at the age of 13, following the death of his wife, during which period he allegedly isolated her from family and subjected her to continuous sexual abuse.
SP Ndukwe explained:
“After she attempted to flee to her family home 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 inside a room. She later escaped with a spare key and reported to the police, who issued a medical form for examination.”
He added that both parties were invited to the station, where the suspect allegedly confessed, pleaded for forgiveness, and promised to return the girl’s belongings. The family, citing close relations, initially opted against prosecution and instead requested “spiritual cleansing” due to what they described as an incestuous abomination.
However, tragedy struck days later.
While the teenager was receiving treatment at a pharmacy in Nsukka, the suspect allegedly stormed the facility, assaulted her, and repeatedly slammed her head on the floor, causing fatal injuries. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors confirmed her death. Her remains have been deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
SP Ndukwe confirmed that the suspect was immediately re-arrested and is now in police custody.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killing, describing it as “cruel, inhumane, and utterly unacceptable.” He extended condolences to the victim’s family and assured the public that the case would be pursued diligently. He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to conduct a meticulous investigation and charge the case to court “within record time.”
The shocking incident has triggered widespread outrage online. Many Nigerians criticised the police for failing to protect the victim after she reported the initial abuse, while others faulted the family for pleading on behalf of the suspect, which enabled his release.
