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Japa couple crisis: Nigerian kills wife in UK over bills

Published

2 years ago

December 6, 2023

David Olubunni Abodunde and Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde

Japa couple crisis: Nigerian kills wife in UK over bills

On a chilly Tuesday morning, Suffolk Police, England responded to a grave incident at 259 Exning Road, Newmarket, Suffolk — a suburban terrace in the market town of West Suffolk. It was here that they discovered the lifeless body of Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde, a nurse and mother of three, lying on the floor of her living room. The police’s grim discovery was an unplanned encounter, prompted by a follow-up visit related to a previous report of assault made against her estranged husband, David Olubunni Abodunde.

According to the police, the visit was scheduled as “a pre-arranged meeting to gather evidence in relation to the assault allegations made against Olubunni Abodunde on November 27 by Taiwo, which led to his arrest.” The police report indicated that they arrived at 259 Exning Road, Newmarket, Taiwo’s home address, at 9:55 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Upon entering the residence, they discovered her unresponsive on the living room floor. Despite prompt medical attention, paramedics declared Taiwo dead at the scene.

Olubunni Abodunde, the husband, was found inside the residence and subsequently arrested on suspicion of her murder. He was then taken to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for questioning and later appeared at Ipswich Crown Court and Suffolk Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing.

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The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) is also investigating the force’s response as officers had been called to the address earlier. A spokesperson for the IOPC said: “We can confirm we have received a referral from Suffolk Constabulary in relation to this incident and we are carrying out an assessment to determine what further action may be required from us.” The intervention of IOPC was prompted by a suspicious failing by the Police over a previous correspondence with the Taiwo’s family on November 27, 2023, over previous assault.

The Police added: “On Monday 27th November 2023, Taiwo contacted Suffolk Police reporting an assault by Olubunni on her that day and a further assault from 15th August 2023. Olubunni was arrested on suspicion of both assaults at 10:23am 27/11/2023. He was released from police custody at 6:20pm 27/11/2023 with police bail conditions. The Police Bail conditions imposed were: Not to go to 239 Exning Road, Newmarket, CB9 0AY. Not to contact Taiwo Abodunde directly or indirectly except via a third party to arrange child contact.

“The incorrect address of 239 Exning Road, Newmarket on the bail condition should have in fact been recorded as 259 Exning Road, Newmarket. When Suffolk Police attended Taiwo’s address on Tuesday 28th November, this was for a pre-arranged meeting to gather evidence in relation to the assault allegations that were made against Olubunni Abodunde on 27th November which led to his arrest. Because of these recent police contact with Taiwo, Suffolk Constabulary have made a referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC).

“We will keep you updated on this process. We also want to make you aware we initially identified two scenes in relation to what happened but following our enquiries we have removed one scene, but one remains in place. This continues to be a location where evidence is present.”

Japa couple crisis: Nigerian kills wife in UK over bills

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Court Screens Video Showing NDLEA Allegedly Helping Cocaine Smugglers at Enugu Airport

Published

16 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Brigadier General Mohamed Buba Marwa (retd.)

Court Screens Video Showing NDLEA Allegedly Helping Cocaine Smugglers at Enugu Airport

The Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday screened a video evidence in the ongoing trial of DCP Abba Kyari and four other police officers, revealing how operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) allegedly assisted drug traffickers at Enugu Airport.

The video, tendered by the Nigeria Police Force through Inspector El‑John Nwoke, details confessions from two convicted traffickers — Chibunna Patrick Umeibe and Emeka Alphonsus Ezenwanne — about their repeated smuggling of cocaine into Nigeria and how NDLEA officers reportedly cleared their luggage without proper inspection.

Inspector Nwoke told the court that the traffickers explained their handlers would send photos and descriptions of them to NDLEA officers before flights, allowing the officers to identify them upon arrival. “When we get to the checking point, they will know that we are the ones. They will open the bag, do a normal search, and say we should go,” Umeibe said in the video. Ezenwanne confirmed he had previously carried cocaine in 2021 and 2022 and that NDLEA officers had allowed them to pass through checkpoints without detection.

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The video, recorded by police on January 20, 2022, is 27 minutes long and was admitted into evidence as “Exhibit D‑3” after the court overruled objections from the NDLEA. It captures detailed confessions showing how traffickers moved cocaine via night buses after being cleared at the airport. The 21.55kg cocaine seizure by Kyari’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) followed shortly after the alleged NDLEA clearance.

Kyari, former head of the IRT, is being tried alongside ACP Sunday J. Ubua, ASP Bawa James, Inspector Simon Agirgba, and Inspector John Nuhu on charges including conspiracy, obstruction, and dealing in cocaine. The case has drawn attention to alleged internal collusion within Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agencies, though NDLEA has denied any complicity.

Justice Emeka Nwite adjourned the case to May 20 for continuation, including further examination of the video evidence and witness testimonies. The footage is expected to play a crucial role in determining the extent of alleged collusion between NDLEA operatives and traffickers.

The trial underscores ongoing concerns about airport security, drug enforcement effectiveness, and internal oversight within Nigeria’s anti-narcotics agencies.

Court Screens Video Showing NDLEA Allegedly Helping Cocaine Smugglers at Enugu Airport

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Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

Former Kaduna State Governor Nasir El‑Rufai

Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

A Magistrate Court in Abuja is set to deliver a ruling on Tuesday, March 17, regarding the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC)’s request to extend the detention of former Kaduna State Governor, Nasir El‑Rufai, by another 14 days.

The court, presided over by Magistrate Okechukwu Akweke, will decide whether to approve or reject the ICPC’s application as the anti‑graft agency continues its probe into allegations against El‑Rufai, including money laundering, abuse of office, and illegal interception of communications linked to the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu.

El‑Rufai has been in ICPC custody since February 18, 2026, following an earlier 14‑day remand order obtained from a Magistrate Court in Bwari, Abuja. That initial remand expired on March 5, 2026, prompting ICPC to seek a fresh extension as investigations continue.

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The former governor’s legal team, relatives, and supporters have criticised the continued detention, describing it as unlawful. They argue that since the initial remand expired, El‑Rufai should either be released or formally charged before a competent court. In response, he has filed a fundamental rights enforcement suit at the Federal Capital Territory High Court, naming the ICPC, EFCC, DSS, and Attorney-General of the Federation as respondents.

The ICPC maintains that it is acting within the law, insisting that the fresh 14‑day remand order is valid and necessary to conclude ongoing investigations, which involve forensic examination of electronic devices, financial records, and other evidence recovered from El‑Rufai’s Abuja residence. The agency has filed an inventory listing 67 items retrieved during the search, including laptops, phones, and storage devices.

El‑Rufai’s lawyers, however, contend that some of the searches were irregular, violating his constitutional rights, and have challenged the admissibility of the evidence in court. The FCT High Court is also considering claims for ₦1 billion in damages for alleged rights violations related to the searches.

Observers say the outcome of Tuesday’s ruling will be critical in determining whether El‑Rufai remains in ICPC custody beyond March 19, or whether he will be released or granted bail while legal proceedings continue. The case has drawn national attention, highlighting ongoing debates over anti-corruption investigations, rule of law, and the rights of former public officials.

Court to Rule on ICPC’s Request for 14‑Day Detention Extension for El‑Rufai

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Tinubu Orders Nationwide Free Rice Distribution for Ramadan, Lent Support

Published

21 hours ago

March 16, 2026

Trends Admin

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Tinubu Orders Nationwide Free Rice Distribution for Ramadan, Lent Support

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has directed the Renewed Hope Ambassadors (RHA), a political support group aligned with his administration, to implement a nationwide free rice distribution programme aimed at assisting Nigerians observing Ramadan and Lenten fasts.

The directive, announced on Saturday by Senator Hope Uzodinma, Governor of Imo State and Director-General of RHA, emphasizes the government’s commitment to national unity, social solidarity, and interfaith inclusivity. According to Uzodinma, the initiative is designed to ensure that families across Nigeria feel the spirit of togetherness and compassion during these spiritually significant periods.

“Ramadan and Lent are seasons that remind us of sacrifice, charity, and care for one another. Through this distribution, the Renewed Hope Ambassadors will ensure that families across Nigeria benefit from the intervention,” the statement read.

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The programme will be coordinated through the RHA’s nationwide grassroots network, in partnership with state and local authorities, traditional leaders, and community groups, to guarantee transparent and equitable delivery. Both Christian and Muslim communities will be included, reflecting President Tinubu’s focus on religious harmony and inclusivity.

Officials noted that the initiative follows the success of a similar distribution carried out during the recent Christmas season, which aimed to ease the burden of vulnerable households during key festive and religious periods. Analysts welcomed the move, highlighting that it addresses food security concerns amid rising prices of staples and demonstrates government responsiveness to citizens’ needs.

The distribution is expected to cover low-income families, the elderly, and internally displaced persons (IDPs), providing crucial support to those most affected by economic challenges. The Federal Government, through the Renewed Hope Ambassadors, has committed to ensuring the programme reaches every state and local community across Nigeria.

Governor Uzodinma reassured the public that the exercise is being implemented with full accountability and oversight, encouraging citizens to participate by helping identify households in need. The initiative is also intended to strengthen the sense of national unity by fostering a culture of generosity and shared responsibility during the holy periods of fasting.