Operatives of the Akwa Ibom State Police Command have arrested one Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, 32, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Emem Monday Effanga, 39, and stealing her mobile phone after committing the crime.
Addressing journalists yesterday, the Police Public Relations (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, said the suspect was trailed to his Church, where he was arrested following intelligence.
She said: “Sometime in February 2025, the Command received a report that the deceased was found dead in her apartment under suspicious circumstances.
“Upon arrival at the scene, operatives observed visible marks of violence on her face and neck, suggesting she had been strangled and beaten to death.
“The scene was processed, evidence documented, and the body was evacuated to the hospital, where she was confirmed clinically dead by medical personnel.
“The corpse was thereafter deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
“Following swift investigations, detectives traced the last person seen with the deceased to be Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, who had visited her residence on 6th February 2025, the morning of his birthday.
“The suspect was later tracked to a Church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape upon sighting police operatives but was swiftly pursued and apprehended.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to visiting the victim that morning and demanding to use her phone to take pictures for his birthday celebration on social media.
“When she refused, a struggle ensued, during which he overpowered her, strangled her with his hands, and struck her head on the floor with fist blows, leaving her unconscious before fleeing with her phone. One 1-tel Super Phone, belonging to the deceased, was recovered from him at the time of arrest.
“A post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the cause of death has been officially documented by a pathologist. The suspect will be charged to court.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, has assured that justice will be served and warned against all forms of domestic violence and criminal acts. He urges the public to remain security conscious and report suspicious activities to the Police.”
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