The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 40-year-old man, Samson Ekata, over the alleged murder of his eight-month-pregnant girlfriend in Uromi, Esan North-East Local Government Area of the state.
Ekata was among several suspects paraded by the police, following allegations that he killed the woman, who had reportedly lived with him for about a year, mutilated her body and attempted to remove her unborn baby.
Speaking during the parade, the Commissioner of Police, Patrick Daaor, described the incident as horrific and expressed sadness over the killing of the pregnant woman.
Daaor commended members of the community for their cooperation with security operatives, noting that their assistance played a significant role in the suspect’s arrest.
He assured the public that Ekata, who is currently in police custody, would face the full weight of the law.
The police commissioner also urged residents to provide credible information to security agencies to help prevent and combat crime across the state.
He advised parents to pay closer attention to the safety of their children, particularly girls, warning that sexual predators and other dangerous individuals could take advantage of their vulnerability.
Daaor further urged young women to exercise caution in their relationships and prioritise their personal safety.
The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property in Edo State, while calling for sustained collaboration between residents and security agencies.
Suspect Claims He Heard Voices Instructing Him to Kill
Speaking to journalists at the Edo State Police Command, Ekata allegedly admitted to killing his girlfriend but claimed he had never killed anyone before the incident.
According to the suspect, he began hearing voices instructing him to kill the woman but initially resisted because she was pregnant.
He claimed that the instruction later came to him in a dream about two weeks afterward, prompting him to carry out the act.
Ekata also admitted to severing one of the victim’s breasts, claiming that a spirit had instructed him to do so.
He further disclosed that he transported the woman’s body in a Toyota Corolla before dumping it by the roadside.
The suspect remains in police custody as investigations into the incident continue.
