The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Anikpe Valentine Chibuike, in connection with the gruesome murder of his girlfriend, Ogechukwu Mmadubugwu, a 35-year-old single mother, in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Awka, on 7 January 2026, following intensive investigations into the incident.
Police have dismissed reports suggesting that the killing was carried out by individuals to whom the suspect allegedly owed money, describing such claims as false, misleading, and unfounded.
During interrogation, the suspect reportedly confessed to stabbing the victim in the neck with a knife, an attack that resulted in her death. The incident occurred at about 12:00 midnight on 9 December 2025.
According to the police, the suspect claimed the act was driven by suspicion of infidelity. He further disclosed that financial difficulties, including bankruptcy and mounting debts incurred while attempting to set up a business for the victim, left him emotionally distressed, culminating in the fatal altercation.
Investigations also revealed that the suspect allegedly planted a fake letter claiming he had been kidnapped by creditors, in a calculated attempt to mislead investigators and facilitate his escape from the crime scene.
As part of ongoing investigative procedures, detectives have visited the mortuary where the remains of the deceased were deposited.
The Anambra State Police Command noted that the tragic incident has generated widespread public concern and renewed discussions on domestic violence and relationship-related crimes.
The Command urged members of the public to adopt lawful and peaceful means of resolving disputes and to promptly report early signs of domestic violence to security agencies to prevent avoidable loss of life.
The suspect will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
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