The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Anikpe Valentine Chibuike, in connection with the killing of his girlfriend, Ogechukwu Mmadubugwu, a 35-year-old single mother, in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday, January 11, 2026, by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga.
According to the police, the suspect was taken into custody on January 7, 2026, by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, following investigations into the incident, which occurred on December 9, 2025.
SP Ikenga disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had allegedly attacked the victim during a confrontation that stemmed from suspicion of infidelity.
The police stated that the victim sustained fatal injuries during the incident, which reportedly took place around midnight.
The command also debunked circulating reports suggesting that the woman was killed by individuals to whom the suspect owed money.
Ikenga described those claims as false and misleading, stressing that police findings point clearly to the suspect as the sole perpetrator.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to committing the act and admitted to attempting to mislead investigators afterwards.
According to the police, Anikpe Valentine Chibuike dropped a fake letter claiming he had been kidnapped by creditors, a move investigators believe was intended to divert attention and facilitate his escape from the crime scene.
Further details provided by the police indicate that the suspect claimed he had been under emotional and financial strain after becoming bankrupt while trying to set up a business for the victim.
Police, however, emphasised that such circumstances do not justify violence.
As part of ongoing investigative procedures, detectives have visited the mortuary where the deceased’s body was deposited, while statements from relevant witnesses continue to be reviewed.
The incident has generated outrage within the Ekwulobia community and has renewed discussions about domestic violence, relationship-related crimes, and the need for early intervention when disputes escalate.
The police command urged residents to seek lawful and peaceful means of resolving conflicts and encouraged members of the public to report early warning signs of abuse to security agencies.
SP Ikenga confirmed that the suspect remains in custody and will be charged in court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Anambra State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring justice and preventing similar tragedies across the state.
