Man Arrested For Brutal Murder Of Neighbor’s Four-Year-Old Daughter In Enugu

Police in Enugu have apprehended a man in connection with the tragic murder of his neighbor’s four-year-old daughter.

According to a statement released by the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Daniel Ndukwe, on Tuesday, the command received an emergency call on August 18, 2024, around 10:30 PM.

The distress call led police officers from the Nsukka unit of the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad to a residence on Orba Road in the Nsukka Local Government Area.

The caller reported the horrific killing of a young girl. Police promptly arrested 30-year-old Nweke Chukwuemeka, who is accused of brutally murdering the child, Zinachukwu Ugwu, while she slept.

The child’s lifeless body was transported to the hospital, where she was confirmed dead before being placed in the mortuary.

The police also recovered from the suspect the murder weapon, along with what is believed to be Indian hemp, and a suspicious object thought to be a charm.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, originally from Umuagu-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area, was living in the same compound as the victim’s family.

It is reported that Chukwuemeka first attempted to attack other neighbors, who managed to fend him off. He then entered the victim’s apartment, where he found the sleeping child and used a knife to slit her throat.

The child’s mother had reportedly fled with her other children to safety but returned to find her daughter already harmed.

Chukwuemeka later confessed to the crime, stating that he acted alone under the influence of Indian hemp, methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri”), and an alcoholic beverage called Action Bitters.

He also admitted to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and revealed that in 2022, while living in Jos, Plateau State, he was involved in a cult clash where he killed a member of a rival group.

The suspect is expected to face charges and be prosecuted once investigations are complete.

Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Kanayo Uzuegbu, condemned the crime as barbaric and unimaginable. He expressed his condolences to the grieving family and vowed that justice would be pursued swiftly.

He has also instructed the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State CID to ensure a thorough and timely investigation.

The Commissioner further urged residents to remain vigilant and aware of their neighbors’ behaviors to help prevent such senseless tragedies.