The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, 39-year-old Emem Monday Effanga, and for stealing her mobile phone after committing the crime.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer of the State, DSP Timfon John, the suspect confessed to visiting the victim on the morning of February 6, 2025, and asked to use her phone to take pictures for his birthday celebration on social media.
When she refused, a struggle ensued, during which he overpowered her, strangled her with his hands, and struck her head on the floor with his fists, leaving her unconscious before fleeing with her phone. An Itel Super Phone belonging to the deceased was recovered from him at the time of his arrest.
DSP Timfon stated that in February 2025, the Command received a report that the victim had been found dead in her apartment under suspicious circumstances.
Upon arrival at the scene, operatives observed visible signs of violence on her face and neck, suggesting that she had been strangled and beaten to death.
The scene was processed, evidence was documented, and the body was taken to the hospital, where medical personnel confirmed her clinically dead. The corpse was subsequently deposited in the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.
Following swift investigations, detectives traced the last person seen with the deceased to be Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, who had visited her residence on the morning of February 6, 2025. The suspect was later located at a church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape upon seeing police operatives, but was promptly pursued and apprehended.
Meanwhile, a post-mortem examination has been conducted, and the cause of death has been officially documented by a pathologist.
The suspect is expected to be charged in court.
