The Rivers State Police Command has apprehended a 26-year-old woman, Sarah Nwankpo, for fatally stabbing her lover, Igbodike Anthony, during a heated argument over sex. The incident occurred at the victim’s apartment in the Obiri-Ikwerre area of Port Harcourt on December 22, 2023.
Nwankpo, who is currently held at the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), confessed to sneaking out of her boyfriend’s place to visit Anthony on the day of the incident. A native of Ezza South LGA of Ebonyi State, she revealed her connection with the victim dating back to 2017 when they met in Enugu.
Detailing her relationship history, Nwankpo explained that she moved to Port Harcourt in August 2023 and began dating a man named Joe Ibanga. Despite declining Anthony’s invitations due to her commitment to Ibanga, she eventually agreed to meet him on December 22, 2023.
Nwankpo shared the events leading to the tragic incident, mentioning that after accompanying Anthony to pay his staff, they went shopping for groceries, returned to his apartment, and engaged in intimate activities. However, when she disclosed her existing relationship with Ibanga, a disagreement ensued.
Anthony proposed marriage and a comfortable life if Nwankpo severed ties with Ibanga, even offering her a managerial job in his company in January 2024. Although she initially agreed, she later lost interest and decided to leave Anthony’s house.
An altercation erupted when Nwankpo rejected Anthony’s advances, leading to a physical fight. In self-defense, she grabbed a detachable head from a walking cane, revealing a hidden dagger, and used it to stab Anthony as he charged at her.
Despite her attempt to leave the scene, Anthony held her hair, and the commotion alerted the building owner and his children. The police were called, and Nwankpo was detained while Anthony succumbed to his injuries in the hospital.
Rivers State Commissioner of Police, CP Olatunji Disu, emphasized the tragic consequences of violence in relationships, urging the public to exercise caution. The investigation into the case is ongoing.
