Abia Tragedy: Boyfriend Arrested After Allegedly Beating Nurse Girlfriend to Death in Ohafia

 

​A wave of grief and outrage has swept through Abia State following the tragic death of Sophy Chika, a dedicated young nurse who was allegedly beaten to death by her boyfriend, Edward Okorie. The incident, which occurred in their shared apartment in Ohafia, has ignited fresh conversations about domestic violence and the safety of women in co-habiting relationships. As of February 25, 2026, the suspect is in police custody, and the community is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances that led to the loss of a life dedicated to healing others.

​The Fatal Altercation in Ohafia

​The details surrounding the incident remain chilling. Sophy Chika, an indigene of Abam in Arochukwu Local Government Area, was living with her boyfriend, Edward Okorie, who hails from Ohafia. On the day of the tragedy, what started as a domestic altercation reportedly escalated into physical violence.

​While the specific cause of the disagreement has not yet been established by authorities, the outcome was fatal. Sophy was reportedly subjected to a severe beating that left her lifeless. Neighbors and witnesses in the Ogechukwu Street area of Ohafia expressed shock, describing the victim as a vibrant professional whose life was cut short in her prime.

​Police Intervention and Investigation

​The Abia State Police Command acted swiftly upon receiving reports of the incident. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) in Ohafia led the initial response, resulting in the apprehension of Edward Okorie.

​Confirming the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Maureen Chinaka, stated that the command is taking the matter very seriously. To ensure a comprehensive and unbiased probe, the case has been officially transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Umuahia.

​"The suspect is currently in our net, and the case has been moved to the SCID for a more thorough investigation," DSP Chinaka revealed. "We are committed to uncovering the truth behind this tragic event and ensuring that justice is served."

​A Rising Tide of Domestic Violence in Abia?

​The death of Sophy Chika is sadly not an isolated event in the state. In a related and equally disturbing development, the SCID in Umuahia is also investigating a case where a woman allegedly stabbed her husband, Mr. Chidiebere James, to death with scissors. That incident was reportedly triggered by suspicious messages found on the husband's phone.

​These back-to-back tragedies highlight a concerning trend of extreme domestic violence. Advocacy groups and human rights organizations are calling on the Abia State Government to strengthen the implementation of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) to protect vulnerable individuals and provide clearer pathways for those in abusive relationships to seek help before it turns fatal.

​Justice for Sophy Chika

​As the nursing community in Abia State mourns one of their own, the focus remains on the legal process. Sophy’s colleagues have described her as a compassionate professional who had a bright future ahead of her. The transition of the case to the SCID is seen as a crucial step in building a solid prosecution.

​The public is urged to remain calm and allow the police to complete their investigation. DSP Chinaka assured that the outcome of the autopsy and the suspect’s statement will provide the necessary clarity to charge the matter to court.