Enugu: Man Confesses To Killing Girlfriend Over HIV Infection

A 30-year-old man, Chibuike Okpara, has allegedly confessed to killing his girlfriend, Chinyere Ugwu, following an argument over HIV infection and concealing her remains inside a toilet in his apartment in Enugu State.

The police in Enugu State had earlier arrested Okpara over the death of the 27-year-old woman, who was allegedly killed on September 19 at his apartment in Olympic Layout, One-Day Area of the state.

At the time of his arrest, the police identified the victim only as Chinyere.

However, in a video clip, the Enugu State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, identified the deceased as Chinyere Ugwu, a graduate of Medical Laboratory Science who had recently completed her mandatory National Youth Service Corps programme.

Ndukwe said the police had identified the victim’s parents and siblings, adding that the suspect would be prosecuted.

Speaking during a police video interview, Okpara alleged that the incident occurred after an argument with Ugwu over who infected the other with HIV.

He said that on the night of September 19, he told Ugwu that he could cure Hepatitis C, HIV and syphilis and asked her to bring friends who might have the diseases.

According to him, Ugwu subsequently accused him of infecting her with HIV, leading to an argument that escalated into a physical fight.

“This led into an argument that resulted in a fight between me and her. So she held a pestle and started hitting me, but I had to withdraw it from her. I hit her, which caused her to collapse,” he said.

Okpara alleged that he subsequently dismembered parts of her body and concealed the remains inside the toilet because he did not know what else to do at the time.

He added that neighbours later perceived an offensive odour coming from the apartment, forced their way inside and discovered the body.

The suspect also claimed that he damaged Ugwu’s mobile phone and SIM card to prevent her family from contacting her or tracing her phone.

Okpara further claimed that he was under the influence of drugs when the incident occurred.

“I wasn’t fully aware of myself at first. I was probably on some substance,” he said.

The suspect said he met Ugwu on Facebook in 2023 before relocating from Owerri, Imo State, to Enugu in December 2025.

Okpara pleaded for forgiveness and asked the government to temper justice with mercy, insisting that the killing was not intentional.

“I have been praying to God for forgiveness. For the fact that this wasn’t actually a clear, pure, intentional act from my angle.

“And I have been pleading for the government to temper justice with mercy,” he appealed.

The police have said the suspect will be prosecuted over the death of Ugwu.