A first face-to-face meeting between two people who had reportedly built a relationship online ended in tragedy in Edo State, after a 21-year-old man was arrested over the alleged killing of his girlfriend at his residence in Benin City.
The suspect, identified in reports as Miracle Samuel, claimed that the woman sustained a fatal injury during a struggle over a knife following an argument, insisting that he did not intend to kill her.
The Edo State Police Command said the suspect and the deceased met on social media and developed a relationship after chatting for several months.
According to the Commissioner of Police, CP Patrick Daaor, the suspect subsequently invited the woman to his residence in the Ahor area of Benin City, where she was allegedly killed with a knife.
Recounting his account of the incident in an interview, Samuel said the meeting initially involved a discussion before it reportedly escalated into an argument.
“On the day she came to my house, we were discussing, but the discussion snowballed into an argument. In the process, she picked up a knife and intended to stab me,” the suspect said.
He claimed that he attempted to take the knife away from the woman during the confrontation, but she sustained an injury to her neck in the process.
“I didn’t mean to kill her, but she got injured in the process of struggling with her for the knife during an argument,” he said.
The suspect further claimed that he tried to save the woman after she was injured but that she eventually died.
“I didn’t mean to kill her. I tried to save her after she was injured, but she died,” he said.
However, the suspect’s account represents his own claim and has not been established as the definitive account of what happened.
The circumstances surrounding the woman’s death remain subject to police investigation.
Commissioner of Police Patrick Daaor confirmed that the suspect was in police custody and said he would be charged to court after the investigation was concluded.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks that can arise when people who establish relationships online arrange to meet in person, particularly when they have not previously met face-to-face.
While online platforms have become common avenues for friendships and romantic relationships, the circumstances of this case underscore the importance of personal safety, caution and peaceful conflict resolution.
The police investigation is expected to establish the circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and determine the appropriate legal action.
The suspect’s claim of self-defence remains an allegation and does not, on its own, determine criminal responsibility.
