The Anambra State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 24-year-old woman, Somtochukwu Nwafor, in connection with the gruesome murder and dismemberment of a pregnant nurse in Ogbunike, Oyi Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson SP Tochukwu Ikenga revealed in a statement on Wednesday that the suspect was arrested on July 25, 2025, following a tip-off from members of Umueri village, where the victimâs mutilated remains were discovered in a soakaway pit.
During interrogation, Nwafor reportedly confessed to being the girlfriend of the prime suspect, Chiemerie Elobisi, who is currently on the run. She admitted to being called in after the murder to clean up blood stains and disclosed that the victimâs body parts were sold to native doctors involved in ritual practices.
Police investigations suggest that the victim, a trained nurse, was lured to Elobisiâs home under the pretext of offering her medical help before she was killed.
Acting on the suspectâs information, operatives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) raided the shrine of a native doctor, Nwafor Chibunna Ofornwatadile, in Itima Amawa village, Ogbunike. During the operation on July 29, officers recovered suspected human body parts concealed in cellophane bags.
The police have launched a manhunt for Elobisi and other suspected collaborators involved in the killing and illegal trade of human parts.
Commissioner of Police, CP Ikioye Orutugu, condemned the incident, describing it as “inhumane, criminal, and an affront to public morality and the sanctity of life.”
He assured the public that a comprehensive investigation is ongoing and urged anyone with relevant information to assist the police, promising that the identities of informants will be kept confidential.
