The Enugu State Police Command has apprehended Nweke Chukwuemeka, 30, for allegedly killing his neighbour’s four-year-old daughter, Zinachukwu Ugwu, in Nsukka.

According to a statement released by the command’s public relations officer, Daniel Ndukwe, the incident was reported to the police around 10:30 p.m. on August 18, 2024, prompting immediate action by the authorities.

Police operatives from the Nsukka Sector of the Command’s Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad quickly arrived at the scene on Orba Road, where they found Zinachukwu lifeless and arrested Chukwuemeka. The suspect, who resides in the same compound as the victim’s family, was found with a knife allegedly used in the crime, as well as quantities of suspected Indian hemp and a charm.

Investigations revealed that the suspect, originally from Umuagu-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area, attempted to attack other neighbours before entering the victim’s apartment and fatally injuring the sleeping child. The child’s mother had fled to protect her other children before returning to find her daughter had been brutally attacked.

In his confession, Chukwuemeka admitted to committing the crime while under the influence of Indian hemp, methamphetamine (locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri”), and alcohol. He also disclosed his involvement with the Vikings Confraternity and revealed that he had previously murdered a rival cult member in Jos, Plateau State, during a clash in 2022.

The Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, described the act as barbaric and assured the victim’s family that justice would be served.

He has ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the state CID to expedite the investigation and ensure that the case is prosecuted swiftly. Uzuegbu also urged the public to be vigilant and aware of their neighbours’ behaviours to prevent such senseless tragedies.