Crime

Enugu Man Arrested for Murdering Neighbor’s 4-Year-Old Daughter

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 28th, 2024.

Enugu Man Arrested for Murdering Neighbor’s 4-Year-Old Daughter

A 30-year-old man has been detained by the Enugu State Police for the murder of his neighbor’s 4-year-old daughter. The incident occurred in the Nsukka area of Enugu State.

According to a statement from DSP Daniel Ndukwe, the Police Public Relations Officer, the tragedy unfolded on August 18, 2024, at approximately 10:30 pm. Enugu State Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad responded to an emergency call from Orba Road in Nsukka Local Government Area, reporting the murder of a young girl.

The suspect, Nweke Chukwuemeka, was apprehended at the scene. He allegedly killed Zinachukwu Ugwu, the young girl, while she was asleep. Her body was taken to a hospital where she was pronounced dead and subsequently moved to the mortuary.

Police recovered the knife used in the crime, along with substances believed to be Indian hemp, methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri”), and an object suspected to be a charm from the suspect.

Preliminary investigations reveal that Chukwuemeka, who is from Umuagu-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area, was residing with the child’s family. The suspect initially attempted to attack other neighbors before entering the victim’s home and fatally injuring her.

Chukwuemeka admitted to the crime, claiming he was under the influence of drugs and alcohol at the time. He also confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and that he had previously committed a murder during a cult clash in Jos, Plateau State in 2022.

The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, condemned the murder as barbaric and assured the victim’s family that justice will be pursued vigorously. He has instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID Enugu to expedite the investigation and ensure a swift prosecution.

The Commissioner also urged the public to be aware of their neighbors’ behaviors to help prevent such senseless acts.