The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a man, Chima Ofoeke, over the alleged murder of 23-year-old Mmesoma Umeorini in Uga, Aguata Local Government Area of the state.
The arrest followed a complaint by the victim’s mother, who reported to the police that her daughter had been missing since October 16, 2026.
The police spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, saying the suspect was identified as the deceased’s alleged former boyfriend.
Ikenga said police operatives, working with members of the Agunechemba security outfit in Uga, apprehended Ofoeke following intelligence-led information.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly confessed during preliminary interrogation to killing the woman after their relationship ended and subsequently took detectives to where her remains were recovered.
In a video circulating on social media, the suspect was heard explaining his alleged motive, saying, “I killed her because she broke up with me. I killed her in my house in Uga, put her inside a bag and dumped her somewhere.”
Reacting to the incident, a resident of the area, who requested anonymity, condemned the alleged killing and stressed that ending a relationship should never put anyone’s life at risk.
The resident said, “A breakup is not a crime. Nobody owns another human being. A woman has the right to end a relationship that no longer serves her.”
The resident also urged families and friends to take threats and controlling behaviour seriously, advising anyone who feels unsafe to seek support and report the matter to the appropriate authorities.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in Anambra State, CP Nnanna Ama, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka for a thorough investigation.
The police command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property, urging members of the public to promptly report missing persons and suspicious activities.
The command added that further information would be made available as the investigation progresses.
