SP Daniel Ndukwe, Enugu Police PRO
The Enugu State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old male student in connection with the gruesome murder of Deborah Sam-Praise Ememem, whose body was discovered in a hotel room in the Obukpa area of Nsukka on June 16, 2025.
According to a statement released by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Daniel Ndukwe, the suspect, identified as Emmanuel Gambo from Kogi State, is a second-year student of Material and Metallurgical Engineering at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN).
The victim, a 22-year-old woman, was reportedly found in a decomposing state by hotel staff after a foul odour raised suspicions.
Investigations revealed that she had checked into the hotel with the suspect on the night of June 14.
Trouble began after the pair allegedly engaged in a second round of sexual activity, following which the deceased demanded an additional ₦15,000 from the suspect, having earlier received ₦5,000.
An argument ensued, turning violent, and resulting in the suspect strangling the victim to death.
“The suspect then wrapped the deceased’s body in a towel and a curtain from the hotel room, and hid it under the bed,” the statement read.
“On June 16, hotel staff discovered the body after noticing a foul odour coming from the room.”
In an attempt to evade detection, Gambo provided a false name and unreachable phone number upon checking in.
Despite the false lead, police detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) were able to track him down.
Acting on credible intelligence, they arrested him at his lodge in Nsukka on July 2.
During interrogation, Gambo confessed to the crime.
The police recovered the victim’s iPhone from him and later recovered other personal belongings, including a Redmi tablet and earbuds, which the suspect had thrown out of the hotel window after the murder.
A bottle of red wine, reportedly brought to the hotel by the deceased, was also found in his possession.
Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, psc, praised the detectives for their swift and thorough investigation, emphasizing the Command’s dedication to justice and public safety.
He also issued a public appeal, urging parents and guardians to monitor their children’s activities closely.
“Young people must avoid negative peer pressure and refrain from engaging in social vices,” he said.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue, with the Enugu State Command promising to ensure that justice is served.
