Twenty-six-year-old Sarah Nwankpo is currently held in the custody of the Rivers State Criminal Investigation Department for the alleged murder of her male friend, Igbodike Anthony, in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. The incident unfolded during an argument over their intimate relationship at Anthony’s residence in the Obiri-Ikwerre area.
Nwankpo confessed to stabbing Anthony during the disagreement, revealing that she had sneaked out from her boyfriend’s place to visit the deceased on December 22, 2023. A Senior Secondary School 3 drop-out, she had left her hometown in 2016, seeking better opportunities.
According to Nwankpo, she met Anthony in 2017 in Enugu, and despite being in a relationship with another man named Joe Ibanga in Port Harcourt, Anthony persistently invited her to visit. On the fateful day, she accepted his invitation, and after spending time together, Anthony allegedly proposed marriage and financial assistance. However, she changed her mind later that evening, leading to a heated argument and physical altercation.
As the confrontation escalated, Nwankpo dialed her boyfriend’s number for help, but he did not respond. In the midst of the fight, she grabbed a walking cane, realizing it had a detachable dagger attached. In self-defense, she stabbed Anthony when he charged at her. Her attempt to escape was thwarted by Anthony, who held onto her hair. The commotion alerted the building owner and his family, who raised the alarm, and the police were called.
While in police custody, family members of the deceased and his widow sought explanations for Anthony’s death. The Commissioner of Police, Rivers State, CP Olatunji Disu, emphasized the need for caution and restraint in relationships, emphasizing that violence can lead to devastating consequences. The investigation into the case is ongoing.