The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a landlord, Ogochukwu Ugoeze, over the alleged murder of a 23-year-old nursing student, Miss Chiamaka Vivian Chilaka, whose death has sparked outrage across the state.
Chilaka, a final-year student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, in Idemili South Local Government Area, was reportedly found dead at her residence on June 14 under disturbing circumstances that suggested a violent struggle.
A viral video from the scene showed the victim’s lifeless body with visible injuries, bloodstains on the ground, broken household items and personal belongings scattered around the compound.
In the emotional footage, a grieving priest believed to be close to the deceased was heard lamenting: “My daughter, my daughter! This is the dead body of my daughter. This is what they did to my daughter.”
Residents alleged that the suspect had repeatedly harassed the student and made unwanted advances towards her, which she reportedly rejected.
Further details obtained by this online newspaper revealed that the landlord initially told police that unknown persons had entered the compound, attacked the student and fled. However, neighbours reportedly questioned the account, noting that a dog kept on the premises would ordinarily have raised an alarm if strangers had gained access to the property.
The deceased, an orphan from Isinwa in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, has been deposited in a mortuary pending autopsy.
Confirming the development, the Anambra State Police Command said the suspect remains in custody and is assisting investigators.
Commissioner of Police, Ikioye Orutugu, has ordered the transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, with a directive for a thorough and speedy investigation.
Meanwhile, in Adamawa State, police have arrested a suspect in connection with the alleged kidnapping of three children in Yola North Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson, Suleiman Nguroje, disclosed that the children’s father, Samaila Musa, reported their disappearance after they were allegedly taken to an unknown destination on June 12.
According to the police, the kidnappers later contacted the family and demanded ransom for the victims’ release.
Following the report, Commissioner of Police, Kabir Hassan, ordered a full-scale investigation, deploying intelligence and technical resources to track down those behind the abduction.
Nguroje said the suspect is currently in protective custody and has been providing useful information to assist investigators in apprehending other members of the alleged kidnapping syndicate.
He added that investigations are ongoing and that the suspect will be charged in court upon conclusion of the probe.
