A 30-year-old man has been arrested in Enugu State for the murder of his neighbor’s 4-year-old daughter. The Enugu State Police Command confirmed the incident, which took place in Nsukka. According to DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect, Nweke Chukwuemeka, was apprehended on August 18, 2024, after police responded to a distress call about the child’s murder. The child, Zinachukwu Ugwu, was found dead with her throat slit. Police recovered the knife used in the crime, suspected Indian hemp, and an object believed to be a charm.
Ndukwe stated that “Preliminary investigations indicate that Chukwuemeka, who lives with the child’s family, initially tried to attack other neighbors before committing the murder.
He said the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming that he acted alone but under the influence of Indian hemp, methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri”), and Action Bitters alcoholic drink, which he consumed earlier.
“He also confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and that in 2022, while residing in Jos, Plateau State, he was involved in a cult clash during which he murdered a male member of the rival cult group.
“The suspect will be arraigned and prosecuted once investigations are concluded,” he stated.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu has described the act as barbaric and unthinkable.
“He condoles the victim’s parents, siblings, and friends, assuring that everything possible will be done to secure justice for the innocent child.
“Hence, he orders the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID Enugu to ensure that ongoing investigations are concluded, and the case prosecuted within record time.
“Moreover, the CP has urged the citizenry to, as much as possible, be conversant with the behavioural patterns of their neighbours to avert senseless incidents of this nature,” the police spokesman further stated.