Ekiti: Police launch probe as man allegedly kills wife during marital dispute
The Ekiti State Police Command has launched an investigation into the suspected homicide of a 25-year-old woman, Kehinde Onizeokaraga, allegedly killed by her husband, Sodiq Ibrahim, during a domestic dispute in Ado Ekiti, the state’s capital.
Police Commissioner Michael Falade instructed the investigation following an incident on Wednesday, during which Ibrahim, a meat seller, reportedly attacked his wife with a machete while attempting to resolve their marital issues.
Both Kehinde and Ibrahim are originally from Kogi State and had reportedly faced ongoing difficulties in their marriage prior to the alleged fatal confrontation.
According to a source familiar with the situation, Kehinde had previously left her husband’s home due to what was described as irreconcilable differences. The source noted, “There were attempts by Sodiq to reconcile with her, but Kehinde was not comfortable with it.”
The situation escalated violently, with Ibrahim allegedly inflicting multiple machete wounds on Kehinde, leading to her death. Following the attack, Ibrahim reportedly fled and was still at large as of Thursday. The deceased’s body has since been taken to a local mortuary.
Yussuf Lawrence, a cousin of the victim, expressed the family’s devastation and urged law enforcement to intensify their efforts to locate Ibrahim. He explained that the lethal confrontation occurred while attempts were being made to mediate the couple’s disputes.
Lawrence indicated that Kehinde had been invited to the home of a family friend on the morning of the incident, unaware that her husband would also be present. “The attempt to resolve their marital disagreement unfortunately turned violent,” he said.
Additionally, Lawrence alleged that some individuals who may be connected to the case had been apprehended, while Ibrahim remained missing. He further claimed that the suspect took Kehinde’s mobile phone, which the family believes contains vital information for the investigation.
“We want Sodiq Ibrahim to be found and arrested. We want justice for Kehinde,” Lawrence stated. “Her parents are in pain, and our family is in serious agony. She didn’t deserve this.”
Police Public Relations Officer Sunday Abutu confirmed the ongoing investigation and reiterated the Commissioner’s commitment to bringing the perpetrator to justice. “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 stated.
