Fidelia Soriwei, Abuja
Police have arrested a man, Manaseh Bitrus Jatau, in connection with the death of his 35-year-old girlfriend, Rebecca Ojonike Jeremiah, in Kaduna.
Jeremiah’s body was discovered at about 7am on Saturday, September 5, 2026, along Mai Angwa Street in Romi, Kaduna.
The discovery was reported by the Officer-in-Charge of the Romi Outstation, prompting detectives to visit the scene, according to the police.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Mansir Hassan, said Jeremiah was found with cotton wool stuffed in her nose.
“The lifeless body of the deceased was sighted along Mai Angwa Street, Romi, with cotton wool stuffed in her nose.”
Hassan said the deceased was taken to St Gerald Hospital, Kakuri, Kaduna, where a doctor confirmed her death. Her remains were later deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
Preliminary investigation linked Jatau to the incident after detectives established that he was the last person to contact Jeremiah and had invited her to Ebano Joint in Romi.
“The suspect was subsequently traced and arrested at his place of work, Tomato Jos Company, Maraban Jos Area, Kaduna.”
According to the police, Jatau admitted during interrogation that he had a fight with Jeremiah in his room over a phone call involving another woman.
“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to having had a fight with the deceased in his room over a phone call from another lady, which resulted in her death.”
The suspect also allegedly confessed to moving Jeremiah’s body to an open field near his residence in an attempt to conceal the incident.
“He further confessed to have dumped the body in an open field close to his house in an attempt to conceal the crime.”
Jatau remains in police custody while the investigation continues. Hassan said he would be charged to court after the completion of the investigation.
The Commissioner of Police, Rabiu Muhammad, “condemns all acts of violence and urges members of the public to embrace peaceful resolution of disputes.”
Muhammad assured residents of “the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for victims and bringing perpetrators to book,” while urging the public to provide useful information to security agencies to help prevent crime and violence.
