The Ekiti State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the alleged killing of a 25-year-old woman, Kehinde Onizeokaraga, by her husband, Sodiq Ibrahim, during a marital dispute in Ado Ekiti, the state capital.
The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, ordered the investigation after Ibrahim, a meat seller, allegedly attacked his wife with a machete during an attempt to settle their marital disagreement on Wednesday.
The couple, who are both from Kogi State, had reportedly been experiencing difficulties in their marriage before the disagreement allegedly escalated into the fatal incident.
A source familiar with the matter said the deceased had previously left her husband’s residence following what was described as irreconcilable differences between them.
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The source said, “I am aware they had issues in the marriage to the extent that the lady had left the man’s house due to some irreconcilable differences.
“But recently, there were efforts by the suspect to resolve the issue with her, which the deceased was not comfortable with.”
The attempt to settle the disagreement reportedly turned violent, with Ibrahim allegedly attacking Kehinde several times with a machete and inflicting injuries that resulted in her death.
The suspect was said to have fled after the attack and remained at large as of Thursday, while the deceased’s remains were deposited at a mortuary.
A cousin of the deceased, Yussuf Lawrence, said the family was devastated by the incident and urged the police and other relevant authorities to intensify efforts to arrest the suspect.
Lawrence said the killing occurred while some individuals were attempting to mediate in the couple’s marital dispute.
He said, “While Kehinde was preparing to leave Ado Ekiti, she was invited to the residence of her father’s friend, who they said wanted to see her. Kehinde went to the residence on Wednesday morning, unaware that her husband would also be present.
“An attempt to resolve the couple’s marital disagreement subsequently degenerated into the fatal attack.”
Lawrence alleged that some individuals had been arrested and taken into police custody in connection with the incident, while Ibrahim remained at large.
He further alleged that the suspect fled with Kehinde’s mobile phone, which he said the family believed could contain information capable of assisting investigators.
“We want Sadiq (Ibrahim) to be found and arrested. We want justice for Kehinde. Her parents are in pain, and my family is in serious agony. She didn’t deserve this,” Lawrence said.
Confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti State Command, Sunday Abutu, said the Commissioner of Police had directed that the matter be thoroughly investigated.
“The Commissioner of Police, Michael Falade, has ordered a thorough investigation into the matter to ensure that the perpetrator is apprehended and brought to justice,” Abutu said.
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