By Titilope Adako

The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 35-year-old man, Ndifreke Nelson, for allegedly murdering his girlfriend, Emem Effanga, in her Uyo apartment.

Police spokesperson, Timfon John, revealed on Monday that Nelson strangled the 39-year-old woman in February after she refused to let him use her phone for a birthday photoshoot. He then stole her phone and fled.

Officers who arrived at the crime scene found signs of violence on the victim’s face and neck, indicating she had been beaten and strangled.

“Operatives who visited the crime scene observed that the victim’s body had ‘visible marks of violence on her face and neck, suggesting she had been strangled and beaten to death,'” the police said.

The suspect was traced to a church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape upon sighting the police.

During interrogation, Nelson admitted to attacking Effanga, striking her head on the floor with his fists before fleeing.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to visiting the victim that morning and demanding to use her phone to take pictures for his birthday celebration on social media. When she refused, a struggle ensued, during which he overpowered her, strangled her with his hands, and struck her head on the floor with fist blows, leaving her unconscious before fleeing with her phone,” the police statement read.

The police recovered the deceased’s Itel Super Phone from him.

“One Itel Super Phone, belonging to the deceased, was recovered from him at the time of arrest,” John said.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death.

John added, “A post-mortem examination had been conducted, and the cause of death was officially documented by a pathologist.”

Nelson is set to be charged in court.

Commissioner of Police, Baba Azare, assured that justice would be served and cautioned against domestic violence

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