Police arrest suspect over death of 23-year-old woman in Anambra

The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a suspect, Chima Ofoeke, over the suspected murder of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.

The police said the arrest followed a report by the victim’s mother to the Divisional Police Officer, Umuchu Division, that her daughter had been missing since October 16, 2026, despite efforts to establish her whereabouts.

According to the command, police operatives, acting on intelligence-led information and in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba security outfit in Uga, arrested the suspect, who was identified as the deceased’s alleged former boyfriend.

The police said the suspect allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to killing the victim following the breakdown of their relationship and subsequently led detectives to the location where her remains were discovered and recovered.

The spokesman for the command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday.

The statement read, “The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a male suspect, Chima Ofoeke, in connection with the suspected murder of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of Anambra State.

“The arrest followed a report by the victim’s mother to the Divisional Police Officer, Umuchu Division, that her daughter had been missing since October 16, 2026, despite efforts to establish her whereabouts.

“Acting on intelligence-led information, police operatives, in collaboration with members of the Agunechemba security outfit in Uga, arrested the suspect, who was identified as the deceased’s alleged former boyfriend.

“During preliminary interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to killing the victim following the breakdown of their relationship.

“He subsequently led detectives to the location where the remains of the deceased were discovered and recovered.”

In a video circulating online, the suspect was heard saying that the victim had ended their relationship. He also allegedly led security operatives to the location where her remains were found.

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During interrogation, the suspect said, “I killed her because she broke up with me. I killed her in my house in Uga, put her inside a bag and dumped her somewhere.”

The incident was also reported by a social media influencer, Chuks, on X, who alleged that the suspect killed the woman after she ended their relationship.

A resident of the area, who pleaded anonymity, expressed sadness over the incident, saying, “How can someone claim to love another person and then allegedly turn against that same person simply because they chose to walk away?

“Let us be clear: A breakup is not a crime. Nobody owns another human being. A woman has the right to end a relationship that no longer serves her.

“She has the right to say no, change her mind, move on, and choose a different future. None of these decisions should cost her life.

“Love is not a prison. It is not ownership. It is not a licence to threaten, control, intimidate, or harm another person.

“And to parents, friends, siblings, and loved ones, please take threats and signs of uncontrolling behaviour seriously. If someone threatens to harm you or refuses to accept that a relationship has ended, do not ignore the warning signs.

“Tell trusted people, seek help, and contact the appropriate authorities if you feel unsafe, the eyewitness warned.”

Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a comprehensive and diligent investigation, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.

“The Command reiterates its commitment to protecting lives and property and urges members of the public to promptly report cases of missing persons and other suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities.

“Further developments will be communicated as the investigation progresses,” the statement added.