Enugu Police Dismiss Organ Harvesting Rumors, Launch Manhunt After Woman Found Dead in Nsukka Hotel

The Enugu State Police Command has firmly debunked circulating media reports suggesting that a young woman was brutally murdered in a hotel room in Nsukka, with her vital organs harvested in a suspected ritualistic killing. This clarification came after intense public speculation, fueled by sensational headlines that quickly spread panic and fear across communities in the state and beyond.

Police spokesperson SP Daniel Ndukwe released a detailed statement aimed at dispelling what he described as “false, misleading, and capable of inciting unnecessary panic.” He emphasized that preliminary findings from law enforcement investigators have shown no indication of mutilation or organ harvesting in the case.

The young woman was reportedly found dead in a hotel room along Obukpa Road in Nsukka on June 15, 2025. Initial assessments pointed to a possible case of strangulation. Her body was discovered with visible injuries including a swollen neck and bloodstains around her mouth, further suggesting physical assault. There were no signs that any parts of her body had been removed or tampered with in a way that might suggest a ritual motive.

Hotel records indicate that the deceased checked in with a male companion the day before her body was discovered. The man, whose real identity remains unknown, left the premises the following morning. He told hotel staff that the woman had already checked out. However, hotel employees later found the woman unresponsive and immediately alerted authorities. She was taken to a hospital where doctors confirmed her death and then transferred to the mortuary for preservation and pending autopsy.

Investigators are now narrowing in on the unnamed male suspect, who is currently on the run. Enugu State Commissioner of Police, CP Mamman Bitrus Giwa, has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (State CID) to intensify efforts to identify, locate, and apprehend the suspect. He emphasized that the case would be handled with utmost urgency and thoroughness.

Police sources have indicated that forensic and surveillance footage from the hotel are being reviewed as part of the wider investigation. Law enforcement agencies are also reportedly working with local informants and using digital tracking tools to trace the suspect’s last known activities.

The police command has also taken a firm stance against media houses and individuals peddling falsehoods regarding the incident. SP Ndukwe issued a stern warning against the dissemination of unverified claims, especially those that could distort facts and obstruct the flow of justice. He said, “Such irresponsible reporting does nothing but mislead the public and complicate our ongoing investigation.”

Social media platforms were flooded over the weekend with unverified stories alleging that the victim’s internal organs had been harvested for ritual purposes. These rumors quickly spiraled, causing unrest and concern among residents in Nsukka and neighboring areas. Some users even circulated graphic images purported to be from the crime scene, although police have not verified any such content as authentic.

Concerned citizens and advocacy groups have called for patience, urging the public to allow police authorities to complete their investigations before drawing conclusions. Human rights groups have also appealed for responsible media conduct, emphasizing that misleading narratives can further victimize the family of the deceased and derail efforts to secure justice.

Authorities reiterated that the findings from the autopsy and continued forensic analysis would provide clearer insight into the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death. They assured the public that justice will be pursued diligently, and no stone will be left unturned in the quest to bring the suspect to account.

The case has sparked renewed conversations about hotel security and personal safety in urban centers. Some citizens are calling for stricter guest registration policies and improved monitoring systems in hospitality businesses to deter criminal activity.

As investigations continue, the police have asked anyone with credible information about the suspect’s identity or whereabouts to come forward. Confidentiality and protection of informants are guaranteed, according to SP Ndukwe.

This tragic event serves as a grim reminder of the dangers that can lurk behind closed doors and the responsibility shared by communities, media, and law enforcement to pursue truth with care and integrity.