A tragic case in Enugu sees a 19-year-old abused teen murdered days after reporting her cousin to the police.

Residents of Nsukka were thrown into deep shock after a 19-year-old girl, Loveth Uloma Nwangwu, was brutally killed just days after accusing her maternal cousin of years of sexual abuse and threats.

The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the arrest of the suspect, 51-year-old Emeka Emmanuel Nwangwu, who was picked up on Monday, December 1, at a pharmacy in Nsukka where the attack took place.

Police spokesperson, SP Daniel Ndukwe, described the incident as a heartbreaking tragedy that unfolded at a time families are preparing for the festive season.

According to the police, the case began on November 28 when Loveth visited the Umabor Division to report that she had lived with the suspect since 2019, when she was just 13. 

She alleged that Emeka repeatedly abused her sexually, isolated her from communicating with others, and constantly threatened her life.

Loveth also told the police she once escaped to her family home in Enugu-Ezike, but the suspect allegedly tracked her down, threatened her with a firearm, and forcefully returned her to his residence at Ibeku-Opi in Nsukka LGA. She was reportedly locked up again before she managed a final escape to lodge an official complaint.

After receiving her report, police issued a medical form and invited both families for questioning. During the meeting, the suspect allegedly admitted to some of the accusations and begged for forgiveness, even promising to return the girl’s belongings.

Her family, citing cultural and traditional concerns tied to the incestuous nature of her allegations, initially chose not to pursue criminal charges, opting instead for what they called “spiritual cleansing.”

However, the situation took a tragic turn while Loveth was undergoing treatment at a pharmacy. Police said the suspect stormed the building, assaulted her, and repeatedly smashed her head on the floor.

She was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead shortly after. Her body has since been deposited in a mortuary for autopsy.

Officers from Nsukka Urban Division, with support from the Neighbourhood Watch Group, immediately re-arrested the suspect, who is now in custody.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, condemned the killing, calling it cruel, inhuman, and completely unacceptable.

He assured the public that the State Criminal Investigation Department had been ordered to conduct a thorough investigation and charge the case to court “within record time.”

Many residents in Nsukka have been left rattled by the disturbing details of alleged long-term abuse and the violent manner in which the young girl died.

The police urged the public to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work as the case moves toward prosecution.