The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, 39-year-old Emem Monday Effanga, and stealing her phone.
Police spokesperson, DSP Timfon John, confirmed the arrest in a statement, revealing that the victim was found dead in her apartment under suspicious circumstances.
Investigators noted visible marks of violence on her face and neck, pointing that she was strangled and severely beaten.
Her body was taken to the hospital, where doctors confirmed she had died before being moved to the morgue for an autopsy.
Detectives quickly zeroed in on Nelson as the last person seen with Emem.
He had visited her on the morning of February 6—his birthday.
The police later tracked him down to a church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape but was caught.
During interrogation, Nelson reportedly admitted to killing Emem after she refused to let him use her phone to take birthday pictures for social media.
He confessed to strangling her and hitting her head on the floor before running off with her phone.
A post-mortem has confirmed the cause of death, and the suspect is set to be charged in Court.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has vowed that justice will be served and warned against all forms of domestic violence.
