The Akwa Ibom State Police Command has arrested a 32-year-old man, Ndifreke Isaiah Nelson, for the alleged murder of his girlfriend, Emem Monday Effanga, who was also the sister of popular guitarist Fiokee.
According to a statement released by the police Monday, the tragic incident occurred on February 6, 2025, when Nelson visited Effanga’s residence in Uyo on the morning of his birthday.
Investigations, according to the police, revealed that a dispute arose after he asked to use her phone to take pictures for his birthday celebration on social media, but she refused.
The confrontation escalated, leading Nelson to allegedly strangle her and strike her head against the floor, rendering her unconscious before fleeing with her mobile phone, police said.
Authorities were alerted after Effanga was found dead in her apartment with visible marks of violence on her face and neck, suggesting she had been brutally attacked. Her body was later confirmed clinically dead at the hospital and taken to the morgue for further examination.
Detectives swiftly traced the suspect to a church in Uyo, where he attempted to escape but was apprehended.
During interrogation, Nelson was reported to have confessed to the crime, and the stolen Itel Super Phone belonging to the deceased was recovered from him. A post-mortem examination has since confirmed the cause of death.
The Commissioner of Police, Baba Mohammed Azare, reassured the public that justice will be served and issued a stern warning against domestic violence and criminal activities. He urged citizens to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to law enforcement authorities.