The Enugu State Police Command has arrested 51-year-old Emmanuel Nwangwu for allegedly killing his 19-year-old maternal cousin, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu.
The incident reportedly occurred at a pharmacy in Umuabor community, Nsukka LGA, where the deceased had gone to seek medication.
It was gathered that Emmanuel, a member of the Neighbourhood Watch who lost his wife in 2019, had taken custody of Loveth at age 13 to assist him at home while he sponsored her schooling. Instead, he allegedly subjected her to years of sexual abuse, isolation, and threats.
Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said Loveth escaped last month and reported a case of defilement, sexual abuse, abduction, and threat to life at the Umuabor Police Station on November 28, 2025.
According to Ndukwe, “After attempting to escape to her family home, the suspect threatened her with a firearm and forced her back to his residence, where she was locked in a room. She later escaped using a spare key and reported to the police.”
He said Emmanuel confessed at the station, and the family initially opted for spiritual cleansing due to the incestuous nature of the crime.
Tragically, while Loveth was receiving treatment at a pharmacy, the suspect allegedly forced his way in, assaulted her, and repeatedly smashed her head on the floor, causing fatal injuries.
She was rushed to a hospital where she was confirmed dead.
The suspect was rearrested and is in custody. The Commissioner of Police, Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the crime and directed the State CID to conclude investigations promptly and charge the case to court.