Police authorities in Anambra State have arrested a 26 year old man in connection with the death of his girlfriend in Ekwulobia, Aguata Local Government Area, drawing renewed attention to domestic violence and relationship related crimes in the state.

The Anambra State Police Command confirmed that the suspect, identified as Chibuike Anikpe, is in custody over the death of 35 year old Ogochukwu Mmadubugwu. According to the police, the incident occurred on December 9, 2025, while the arrest was made nearly a month later following investigations by detectives.

The command said the case has generated significant public interest, partly due to circulating claims about the motive for the crime, which police insist are inaccurate.

Arrest and official confirmation

The Police Public Relations Officer in Anambra, DSP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday in Awka. According to Ikenga, operatives attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department apprehended the suspect on January 7.

He said investigators acted on intelligence and evidence gathered during preliminary inquiries, leading to the arrest of Anikpe, who is now undergoing further interrogation.

Ikenga added that the police decided to address the case publicly to counter what he described as false rumours spreading within the community and on social media.

Police dismiss circulating rumours

According to the police spokesman, reports suggesting that the killing was carried out by people the suspect allegedly owed money were untrue. He said investigators found no evidence to support claims that creditors or third parties were involved in the woman’s death.

“The Command wishes to clarify that rumours making the rounds about debt related reprisals are false and misleading,” Ikenga said, according to the statement. He urged members of the public to rely on verified information from security agencies rather than speculation.

Police say the clarification was necessary to prevent tension and misinformation in Ekwulobia and neighbouring communities.

Confession and alleged motive

During interrogation, the suspect allegedly confessed to causing the death of Mmadubugwu. According to Ikenga, Anikpe admitted to attacking the victim with a knife, which resulted in her death.

The police spokesman said the suspect claimed the incident was driven by suspicion of infidelity. He also alleged that he had made significant financial investments in the relationship, which he said left him bankrupt and emotionally distressed.

Investigators said the suspect further confessed to attempting to divert suspicion after the incident by dropping a letter falsely claiming he had been kidnapped by creditors. Police believe the letter was intended to mislead both the public and law enforcement agencies.

Authorities have not disclosed whether the suspect has legal representation or whether the alleged confession was made in the presence of a lawyer.

Investigation process continues

Ikenga said detectives have visited the morgue where the deceased’s body was deposited as part of ongoing investigative procedures. He added that all necessary forensic and documentary steps are being taken to ensure the case is properly prepared for prosecution.

According to the police, the suspect will be charged in court once investigations are concluded. No specific date has been announced for the arraignment.

Legal analysts note that thorough documentation and evidence gathering will be crucial, especially given the public attention the case has attracted.

Community reaction and wider concerns

The death of Mmadubugwu has sparked outrage in parts of Aguata Local Government Area, with residents expressing shock over the circumstances surrounding the incident. According to local sources, the case has reignited discussions about relationship violence and the warning signs that often go unnoticed until it is too late.

While police have not released details about any prior reports or complaints involving the couple, community leaders say the incident highlights the need for early intervention in domestic disputes.

A social worker based in Anambra, who spoke to reporters in a professional capacity, said many relationship related crimes escalate because emotional and financial conflicts are not addressed early. She noted that suspicion, jealousy, and economic stress frequently combine to create volatile situations.

This case comes amid broader national conversations about domestic violence and intimate partner killings in Nigeria. According to data from civil society organisations, many incidents go unreported or are resolved informally until they turn fatal.

Security experts say police clarification in this case is significant because misinformation can quickly inflame tensions or lead to reprisals. By addressing false narratives early, authorities aim to maintain public trust and prevent unrest.

Meanwhile, the case underscores the importance of mental health awareness and conflict resolution mechanisms within relationships, particularly in communities facing economic pressure.

Police advice to the public

In his statement, Ikenga urged residents to seek lawful and peaceful ways of resolving disputes. He encouraged individuals experiencing threats or violence in relationships to report early warning signs to the police or other relevant authorities.

“The Command calls on members of the public to avoid taking the law into their hands and to report domestic violence early to prevent avoidable tragedies,” he said.

Police also reminded the public that spreading unverified claims can hinder investigations and cause unnecessary fear.

As investigations continue, attention will turn to the court process and the evidence presented by prosecutors. Observers will be watching how the judiciary handles the case, particularly given the suspect’s alleged confession and the surrounding public interest.

Advocacy groups are also expected to use the case to push for stronger community awareness campaigns and support systems for victims of domestic violence in Anambra State.

For now, police say they remain committed to ensuring justice is served in line with the law.

The arrest of Chibuike Anikpe over the death of Ogochukwu Mmadubugwu marks a critical step in a case that has unsettled many in Anambra State. Beyond the immediate criminal investigation, the incident has reopened difficult but necessary conversations about relationship violence, misinformation, and the need for early intervention.

As the case moves toward prosecution, authorities and community leaders alike are urging calm, vigilance, and reliance on verified information.