A 19-year-old girl, Uloma Nwangwu, has been killed in Nsukka, Enugu State, just days after reporting her cousin, 51-year-old Emeka Nwangwu, to the police for alleged rape and threats to her life.
The incident occurred on Monday at a pharmacy in Nsukka, where Uloma had gone to seek medical treatment. Police said the suspect, a member of a Neighbourhood Watch group, trailed her to the location and violently attacked her, repeatedly smashing her head on the floor. She was rushed to hospital but was confirmed dead. Her remains have been deposited at a mortuary for autopsy.
Police spokesperson, Daniel Ndukwe, said Uloma had formally petitioned the Umabor Police Division on November 28, alleging that the suspect had raped her repeatedly since 2019, shortly after the death of his wife. She further claimed he isolated her from family and friends and issued death threats whenever she attempted to escape.
According to the police, Uloma had fled to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, Igbo-Eze North Local Government Area, but the suspect allegedly pursued her, held her at gunpoint and forced her back to Nsukka, keeping her locked inside a room. She later escaped with a spare key and reported to the police, who issued a medical form for examination.
Mr. Ndukwe said the suspect initially admitted to parts of the allegations at the police station and pleaded for forgiveness, promising to return the victim’s belongings. The family, citing close relations, opted at the time for spiritual intervention instead of immediate prosecution.
Tragically, before the investigation could progress, the suspect allegedly ambushed and killed the teenager.
The suspect has since been rearrested and is in police custody.
The Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Bitrus Giwa, described the killing as “cruel and unacceptable,” extended condolences to the grieving family, and assured the public that the command will ensure justice is served. He directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case and conduct a thorough investigation ahead of prosecution.
