…a dispute ensued after a second round of intercourse, during which the deceased allegedly demanded an additional ₦15,000 from the UNN student.
Enugu, Nigeria – The iNews Times reports that the Enugu State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 22-year-old male student of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), Emmanuel Gambo, in connection with the brutal murder of a young woman, Deborah Sam-Praise Ememem, in a hotel in Obukpa, Nsukka.
In a press statement released on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Command, SP Daniel Ndukwe, disclosed that Gambo, a second-year student of Material and Metallurgical Engineering, was apprehended following an “intensive, diligent, and intelligence-led investigation.”
The tragic incident occurred on June 14, 2025, when Gambo checked into a hotel with the 22-year-old deceased.
According to SP Ndukwe, the suspect allegedly strangled Ememem to death in the early hours of June 15 after a disagreement over payment for sexual activity.
“Findings revealed that… a dispute ensued after a second round of intercourse, during which the deceased allegedly demanded an additional ₦15,000 from the suspect, on top of the ₦5,000 earlier paid. The disagreement turned violent, and the suspect strangled her to death,” the statement said.
After committing the crime, Gambo reportedly wrapped the victim’s body in a towel and curtain from the hotel room and concealed it under the bed.
The body was discovered two days later-on June 16, after hotel staff noticed a foul odour emanating from the room.
Investigators initially faced difficulties in identifying the suspect due to false details he had entered into the hotel’s register, including a fake name and unreachable phone number.
However, police detectives eventually tracked Gambo to his residence in Nsukka, where he was arrested on July 2, 2025.
“Acting on credible and painstakingly gathered intelligence, the police detectives located and arrested the suspect… During interrogation, he confessed to the crime,” SP Ndukwe stated.
Upon arrest, the deceased’s iPhone was recovered from the suspect. Further investigation led to the recovery of additional items, including a Redmi tablet and earbuds belonging to the victim, which Gambo admitted to throwing out the hotel window in a bag after the incident.
A bottle of red wine the deceased had brought to the hotel-Asconi Agor-was also found in his possession.
The case, initially handled by the Nsukka Urban Police Division, was transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a more detailed investigation.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, praised the detectives for their professionalism and swift action.
“The Command remains committed to ensuring justice, security, and the rule of law,” said CP Giwa. He also used the opportunity to caution parents and guardians to monitor their children closely and warned young people against indulging in social vices and negative peer pressure.
The suspect is currently in police custody, and further legal actions are expected to follow upon the conclusion of the investigation.
