A 23-year-old student of the College of Nursing Sciences, Alor, in Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, has been found dead under suspicious circumstances in her residence at Uruezeani, Alor.
The deceased, Chiamaka Chilaka, an ND II student of the institution and an indigene of Isingu in Ngor Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, was reportedly discovered dead on Sunday after attending a church service.
The incident has generated widespread attention following the circulation of a video on social media showing a cleric grieving over the loss. In the footage, the cleric repeatedly cried out, “My daughter, my daughter,” while lamenting her death.
Claims circulating online alleged that the student had repeatedly turned down advances from her landlord and was said to have had a disagreement with him shortly before her death.
While confirming the development on Thursday, the spokesperson for the Anambra State Police Command, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, disclosed that the landlord had been taken into custody while investigations continue.
According to Ikenga, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Ikioye Orutugu, directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated after it was transferred from the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Awka.
Police officers who visited the scene reportedly observed injuries on the victim’s body, including a deep cut on her thigh, as well as other signs of violence and blood stains, raising suspicions of foul play.
The statement read: “The Commissioner of Police, Anambra State Command, CP Ikioye Orutugu, has directed investigative officers to expedite action on the investigation into the reported suspected murder of a 23-year-old female student, whose lifeless body was discovered at her residence in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State.
“The CP gave the directive following the transfer of the case from the Nnobi Divisional Police Headquarters to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a comprehensive and discreet investigation.”
Ikenga further disclosed that the remains of the deceased had been deposited in a mortuary pending preservation and autopsy.
“Meanwhile, the landlord of the premises has been taken into custody and is currently undergoing interrogation as part of ongoing investigations,” he added.
The police command assured residents that efforts were underway to unravel the circumstances surrounding the death and pledged that anyone found responsible would face prosecution.
The command also appealed to members of the public with relevant information to come forward and assist investigators.
