Police Arrest Suspect in Murder of Nursing Student in Anambra
26-Year-Old Man Arrested Over Death of 23-Year-Old Nursing Student as Police Exonerate Previously Suspected Landlord
The Anambra State Police Command has arrested a 26-year-old man, Kosisochukwu Edward Ibekwe, in connection with the death of 23-year-old nursing student Vivian Chilaka. Chilaka died in Alor, Idemili South Local Government Area of Anambra State, on June 14, 2026, in an incident that generated widespread concern within the community. Police said Ibekwe was arrested on September 4 following what the command described as credible and actionable information.
According to the police, preliminary investigations indicate that the suspect allegedly gained access to the building by climbing over the fence with the aid of a ladder. Authorities said the suspect allegedly intended to sexually assault the student, after which a struggle reportedly occurred between the two. Police alleged that the suspect used a knife during the confrontation, resulting in Chilaka’s death. The details remain allegations at this stage and are subject to further investigation and judicial proceedings.
The police command also said the suspect had made claims linking him to other similar incidents in the community. Investigators are currently working to corroborate those claims and establish whether they have any connection to other reported criminal activities. Authorities said the investigation will continue to determine the full circumstances surrounding the student’s death and establish any additional facts relevant to the case.
The latest development has also changed the direction of the investigation involving the deceased student’s landlord, who had previously been arrested and questioned over the incident. The Anambra Police Command has now stated that the landlord has been exonerated and urged members of the public to disregard earlier suspicions against him. The clarification followed the emergence of the new suspect and information obtained during the ongoing investigation.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigators continue their work, particularly regarding the alleged links to other incidents. The Commissioner of Police in Anambra, CP Nnanna Oji Ama, commended residents of Alor for providing information that assisted the investigation and said the command would continue to pursue credible leads. Ibekwe remains an accused person, and the allegations against him have not been established by the police.
