A man identified as Chukwuemeka Nweke has been arrested by the police in Nsukka, Enugu State for allegedly slitting the throat of a neighbour’s four-year-old daughter.
Mr. Ugwu, 30, committed the crime in their residence on August 18, when he slit the throat of the child named Zinachukwu Ugwu, while she was asleep.
Enugu State Police Command spokesperson Daniel Ndukwe said in a statement that the Anti-Cultism Tactical Squad arrested Nweke, following a distress call.
“Preliminary investigation reveals that the suspect hails from Umuagu-Ozalla in Nkanu West Local Government Area, but resides in the same compound with the child’s parents and others,” stated Mr. Ndukwe.
“He initially attempted to attack other neighbours who escaped his assault before he went into the victim’s apartment, where he saw the helpless child sleeping, and used the knife to cut through her throat. The mother of the child had escaped with her other children.
“Further investigation revealed that the suspect confessed to the crime, claiming that he acted alone but under the influence of Indian hemp, methamphetamine locally known as “Mkpuru-mmiri” and Action Bitters alcoholic drink he consumed earlier.
“He also confessed to being a member of the Vikings Confraternity and that in 2022, while residing in Jos, Plateau State, he was involved in a cult clash during which he murdered a male member of the rival cult group.”
Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Kanayo Uzuegbu, assured that justice would be secured for the victim within record time.
