The Anambra Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Kosisochukwu Edward Ibekwe, in connection with the alleged murder of a 23-year-old nursing student, Vivian Chilaka, in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of the state.
Ibekwe was arrested barely three months after Chilaka was found dead inside her hostel, in a case that had generated widespread concern in the community.
Preliminary investigation by the police indicated that the suspect allegedly gained access to the building where the deceased was staying by climbing over the fence with the aid of a ladder.
In a statement released on Saturday by the Command spokesperson, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, the suspect told investigators that he initially entered the premises with the intention of sexually assaulting the nursing student.
“He allegedly said a struggle ensued between him and Chilaka, during which he used a knife to stab her. The injuries allegedly inflicted during the struggle resulted in the death of the student, according to the suspect’s account contained in the police investigation”.
The spokesperson said the suspect had also made revelations allegedly linking him to other similar incidents in the community.
However, Ikenga stressed that the claims were still being investigated and would have to be thoroughly corroborated before any further conclusions could be drawn.
The arrest marks a breakthrough in the investigation into Chilaka’s death, which had left residents of Alor seeking answers over the circumstances surrounding the killing.
Meanwhile, Ikenga disclosed that the deceased student’s landlord, who had earlier come under suspicion in connection with the incident, has been freed by the law enforcement agency.
The command said the landlord had been exonerated following the ongoing investigation and urged members of the public to disregard earlier allegations against him.
“Ibekwe remains in police custody as detectives intensify investigations into the murder and examine his alleged connection with other criminal incidents in the area”.
The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended residents of Alor for their cooperation and patience throughout the investigation.
He particularly praised members of the community who provided information that helped detectives make the breakthrough and arrest the suspect.
Ama assured the public that the command would continue to pursue every credible lead and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought before the law.
He also appealed to residents to continue supporting the police with useful information, stressing that community cooperation remained crucial in preventing and solving violent crimes.