The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Emem Monday Effanga, 39, and stealing her mobile phone after the crime.
According to a press issued by the Police Public Relations Officer DSP John Timfom (Ref: AZ:5300/AIS/PPRD/VOL.6/70), the incident occurred in February 2025 when Effanga was found dead in her apartment under suspicious circumstances. According to the Statement, Police officers who arrived at the scene observed visible marks of violence on her face and neck, indicating she had been strangled and beaten. Explaining further the Statement indicated that her body was later confirmed dead by medical personnel and deposited in the mortuary for an autopsy.
Police investigations identified Nelson as the last person seen with the deceased.
He had visited her apartment on February 6, 2025, the morning of his birthday.
He was later tracked to a church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape upon sighting police operatives but was swiftly arrested.
During interrogation, Nelson confessed to killing Effanga after she refused to let him use her phone to take pictures for his birthday.
A struggle ensued, during which he strangled her with his hands and struck her head on the floor, rendering her unconscious before fleeing with her Itel Super Phone.
The stolen phone was recovered from him at the time of arrest.
The police confirmed that a post-mortem examination has been conducted and the official cause of death documented. The suspect will be charged to court.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Baba Mohammed Azare, fsi, has assured the public that justice will be served and warned against domestic violence and other criminal acts. He also urged residents to remain security-conscious and report suspicious activities to law enforcement.
This tragic incident underscores the dangers of domestic disputes and the need for stronger community vigilance in combating violence against women.