Nigerian who killed wife in UK bags life jail - Newstrends
Connect with us

metro

Nigerian who killed wife in UK bags life jail

Published

2 years ago

on

Nigerian who killed wife in UK bags life jail

In a tragic turn of events, Olubunmi Abodunde, 48, hailing from Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom, has received a life sentence for the brutal killing of his 41-year-old wife, Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde, on November 28, 2023. The tragic incident saw him bludgeon his wife to death with his son’s skateboard, which was discovered stained with blood, some fragments lodged in Taiwo’s head, resulting in severe neck, head and brain injuries. Presiding over the case, Judge Martyn Levett of the Ipswich Crown Court delivered the somber verdict, marking a tragic conclusion to a family’s strife-ridden tale. With a minimum of 17 years before parole consideration, Abodunde’s jealousy and financial disputes with his wife were cited by prosecuting attorney Stephen Spence as contributing factors to the heinous crime, underscoring the corrosive impact of domestic discord.

Detective Inspector Dan Connick prosecuting said after the hearing: “This was an awful attack on a woman that has had a lasting impact on the community and most importantly on the victim’s family” and “we are pleased that Taiwo’s family will no longer have to go through the pain of a trial. Our thoughts remain with Taiwo’s family and friends and hope this result will bring some small comfort to them.”

Nneka Akudolu KC, in her defense, asserted that the level of violence displayed by her client was entirely uncharacteristic and potentially influenced by medication he may have been taking. However, she acknowledged that no medical evidence was provided to substantiate this claim. Olubunmi, who changed his plea to guilty before sentencing, reacted with shock, clasping his hand over his face, speechless, realising the stark reality that less than two years after arriving to join his wife in the UK, he would now spend his days in the desolate confines of a prison.

The absence of family banter, where children joyfully play and parents smile in contentment, now looms over his life. In a poignant victim impact statement, Kehinde Owoeye, the late Taiwo’s brother, expressed the profound and enduring trauma inflicted upon the children, who may struggle to reconcile the fact that their father is responsible for their mother’s death. Seeking solace in justice, the family implored that the law be upheld, offering a semblance of relief amid their grief. Furthermore, they requested that certain family members be permitted to visit the children, facilitating their healing process and honouring their late mother’s desire for familial support. They emphasised the importance of migration to be with their extended family, providing a nurturing environment for the children’s emotional recovery and ensuring continuity in their education, a value cherished deeply by the family. This migration, they asserted, would be instrumental in fulfilling their sister’s wish for her children’s well-being and academic advancement.

READ ALSO:

Taiwo Abodunde was a dedicated employee at Cambridge Manor care home, renowned for her compassionate care towards residents, especially those requiring dementia, residential and respite care. TLC Care, the owner of the facility, expressed profound sorrow and shock at Taiwo’s tragic death, describing her as a cherished member of their community. Their spokesperson conveyed heartfelt condolences to her family, emphasising Taiwo’s legacy of kindness and compassion, which touched the lives of both staff and residents alike.

In contrast, Olubunmi, lacking stable employment, relied on sporadic shifts at Tesco and Wickes. In a statement to the police, he claimed self-defense, alleging years of physical abuse inflicted by his wife. However, the sequence of events paints a different picture. On November 27th, 2023, Taiwo contacted Suffolk Police, reporting an assault by Olubunmi, adding to a series of previous assault reports dating back to August 15th, 2023. Subsequently, Olubunmi was arrested on suspicion of these assaults, leading to his temporary release from police custody later that day, albeit with stringent bail conditions. The imposed bail conditions prohibited Olubunmi from returning to their shared residence and from contacting Taiwo directly or indirectly, save for arranging child contact via a third party.

The bail condition, erroneously stating 239 Exning Road, Newmarket, should have been recorded as 259 Exning Road, Newmarket. However, when Suffolk Police visited Taiwo’s residence on Tuesday, November 28th, for a scheduled meeting to gather evidence regarding the assault allegations made against Olubunmi Abodunde on November 27th, they heard disturbing noises emanating from within the house. Upon entering the residence approximately 25 minutes later, they made a chilling discovery: Taiwo, a mother of three, lifeless on the floor of her living room. The police speculated that the fatal assault likely occurred between 9:12 am and 9:20 am.

According to the police report, officers arrived at 259 Exning Road, Newmarket, Taiwo’s home address, at 9:55 am on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. Inside, they found Taiwo unresponsive on the living room floor. Despite immediate medical attention, paramedics pronounced Taiwo dead at the scene. Olubunmi, Taiwo’s husband, was discovered within the residence and promptly arrested on suspicion of her murder. He was subsequently transported to Martlesham Police Investigation Centre for interrogation and later appeared at both Ipswich Crown Court and Suffolk Magistrates’ Court for a preliminary hearing. Olubunmi asserted that on November 28th, an argument escalated, during which Taiwo allegedly brandished a knife, leading to him defending himself by grabbing the knife, resulting in an injury to his hand. However, the court was informed that although he sustained a hand injury, no knife was found near Taiwo’s body.

Prosecutor Simon Spence KC grimly informed the court that the banging heard by officers was likely the sound of Abodunde persisting in his assault on his wife, even after she had become unconscious or deceased. Following his arrest for the murder, Abodunde was taken to the hospital due to what appeared to be a mental episode. A neighbour residing near the couple’s unfortunate home in Newmarket recalled her observations, stating: “I arrived home to find the entire street swarmed with police and ambulances. Just two days prior, there were police present. I knew it was something truly terrible given the number of police and their reluctance to share information. Normally, they would provide some details, but they were exceptionally tight-lipped.”

READ ALSO:

Another neighbor added: “It’s simply dreadful; everyone is in shock. I used to see some young boys playing in their garden.”

The three children have been placed in foster homes in Norwich, UK, and they are set to be reunited with their uncle and aunt next month when two family members will meet with them. Kehinde Owoeye, twin brother to the late Taiwo, expressed gratitude for being granted visas by the British Consulate in Lagos to visit and assess the children’s situation.

Kehinde disclosed: “I will be accompanied by my sibling, Alaba Owoeye, next month. The plan is to check on the welfare of the children, bond with them and proceed accordingly.

However, Kehinde lamented the lack of support from the Nigerian Government, stating: “Nobody reached out to check on us; we had to handle everything ourselves with the assistance of the British Police, social services and the government in general.”

Adekunle Owoeye’s social media post delivered a poignant message to their extended family, urging composure amid the anguish. Expressing gratitude to the UK Government, detectives, private investigators and the Nigerian Embassy in London for their unwavering support, Adekunle also thanked the Igogo-Ekiti community, friends and well-wishers for their solidarity and comfort during this challenging period. Addressing their mother, he acknowledged the irreplaceable loss and emphasised the need for divine solace.

Reflecting on the past 18 years as a “living nightmare” for his late sister, Adekunle recounted her journey, underscoring her aspirations for independence and academic achievement. He revealed the husband’s attempt to hinder her financial independence by withholding her academic certifications for a decade out of envy. Despite the challenges, Adekunle remained resolute in seeking justice and closure for his sister’s untimely demise.

READ ALSO:

 Elder Ayo Abodunde, the husband’s uncle, expressed profound sadness for the Owoeye family in light of the tragic events. Despite his attempts to extend condolences via phone calls, he noted their decline, understanding their emotional turmoil.

Seeking intervention from Oba Oladipupo Kolade, the Olupoti of Ipoti Ekiti, Elder Abodunde, emphasised the imperative of addressing previous issues of domestic violence and counseling for the husband. He stressed the importance of patience and understanding in marital relationships, urging conflict avoidance given the legal and familial consequences.

The late Taiwo hailed from Igogo Ekiti, while Olubunmi was from Ipoti Ekiti. Their paths crossed in 2004 during a Seventh Day Adventist Church social-religious camp in Otun Ekiti. Despite initial reluctance, Taiwo eventually acquiesced to Olubunmi’s persistent pursuit, leading to their marriage. However, their 17-year union, fraught with challenges including controlling behaviour, domestic violence, infidelity allegations and distrust, ultimately deteriorated. Kehinde Owoeye, Taiwo’s brother, recounted the escalating verbal and physical abuse inflicted by Olubunmi, underscoring the profound strain on their marriage.

The tragic events surrounding the couple’s relationship sent shockwaves through the neighboring towns of Igogo and Ekiti, where conversations about the case permeated both the airwaves and street corners following Taiwo’s passing. Kehinde Owoeye, speaking on behalf of Taiwo’s family, recounted a distressing incident from years earlier in Igogo Ekiti, where Bunmi and Taiwo engaged in a heated altercation during an event over sleeping arrangements. Reports indicated that Bunmi resorted to physical violence, even striking Taiwo and her protesting mother-in-law. The conflict was eventually mediated by the respective monarchs of the towns, namely, the Onigogo of Igogo Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday Adewunmi, Okinbaloye I, and the Olupoti of Ipoti Ekiti, HRM Oba Sunday Adewunmi, Okinbaloye I. Expressing deep sorrow, HRM Oba Sunday Adewunmi, Okinbaloye I, conveyed his dismay at the untimely demise of Taiwo, lamenting the efforts invested by the royal house to foster reconciliation within the marriage. He underscored the guidance provided to Taiwo in their shared pursuit of a better life overseas, emphasising the heartbreaking outcome in light of their collective aspirations.

Nigerian who killed wife in UK bags life jail

The Nation

Loading

Related Topics:
Advertisement

metro

US Condemns Killing of Pastor Dachomo’s Family Members in Plateau, Demands Justice

Published

1 hour ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

US Condemns Killing of Pastor Dachomo's Family Members in Plateau, Demands Justice

US Condemns Killing of Pastor Dachomo’s Family Members in Plateau, Demands Justice

The United States government has strongly condemned the killing of nine members of the family of Plateau-based cleric, Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo, describing the attack as “horrific” and a disturbing reminder of the persistent violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable groups in Nigeria’s Middle Belt.

In a statement issued by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of African Affairs on Thursday, Washington expressed sympathy with the bereaved families and urged the Nigerian government to bring those responsible for the killings to justice while taking urgent steps to improve security in affected communities. “The United States strongly condemns the horrific killing of members of Rev. Ezekiel Dachomo’s family in Plateau State, Nigeria. The continued violence targeting Christian communities and other vulnerable populations in Nigeria’s Middle Belt is deeply alarming,” the statement said. The U.S. government added, “We extend our deepest condolences to the victims’ families and all those affected. As I discussed last week with Nigerian officials, we must do more to prevent violent acts like those yesterday. The perpetrators must be held accountable, and urgent action is needed to strengthen security and protect Christians and other vulnerable communities.” A State Department spokesperson, in a separate statement to Fox News Digital, described the violence as “a shocking level of violence against Christians in the Middle Belt committed by Fulani ethnic militia.”

The condemnation follows the killing of nine members of Rev. Dachomo’s extended family by suspected gunmen in Kum village, Rim District of Riyom Local Government Area of Plateau State on the night of July 11, 2026. According to survivors, the attackers stormed the family compound at about 11:30 p.m. and specifically demanded to know the whereabouts of the cleric, who is popularly known as “Dara,” a Berom title meaning “father.” The assailants reportedly told members of the household, “today you will learn a hard lesson,” before opening fire. The victims, all members of the James family, were identified as Celina James (38), Yohanna James (21), Janet Yohanna (18), three-month-old Jenifer Yohanna, Sele James (18), Melody James (16), Rito James (10), Endurance James (8), and Peace James (3). The only known survivor, Pam Yohanna, sustained injuries and was taken to a medical facility for treatment.

READ ALSO:

Rev. Dachomo, the Regional Chairman of the Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) for Barkin Ladi Local Government Area, disclosed during a mass burial for the victims that this was not the first time members of his family had been targeted and killed by Islamist extremists. He recalled that his own grandmother was killed with her heart cut out by attackers, while one of his uncles was also butchered with his tongue removed. According to Dachomo, the attacks against his relatives became more frequent after he began speaking publicly about what he described as the ongoing genocide in Plateau State, insisting that he had taken it upon himself to draw global attention to the violence affecting communities in the region. “We are here once again to conduct another mass burial for our people, and once again, all these victims are members of my family, my own blood. And they will say there is no genocide in Plateau State,” he lamented. The cleric also revealed that he had received a threatening letter from the attackers, written in both Hausa and English, warning that he would soon be attacked and killed. He said copies of the letter had been handed over to security agencies. Despite the repeated loss of loved ones, Dachomo said he had chosen the path of forgiveness, rooted in his Christian faith. “Yes, Fulani killers, I have forgiven you for this murder of my family members,” he stated.

The US government’s condemnation comes amid growing scrutiny from American lawmakers over Nigeria’s response to religious violence. US Senator Ted Cruz has accused Nigerian officials of responding to the persecution of Christians by launching a public relations campaign instead of addressing the underlying security and religious freedom issues. “Nigerian officials have created an environment that facilitates mass violence against Christians and religious minorities by imposing blasphemy and Sharia laws and looking the other way at jihadist atrocities,” Cruz wrote on X. He alleged that rather than addressing concerns raised by the United States, Nigerian authorities chose to engage in a PR campaign, adding that he had been pushing a bill to sanction Nigerian officials responsible for such policies. The criticism follows disclosures that the Federal Government retained a US lobbying firm under a reported $9 million contract to strengthen engagement with US policymakers over allegations of attacks on Christian communities. According to documents filed under the US Foreign Agents Registration Act, the firm was engaged through Aster Legal on behalf of the Office of the National Security Adviser. Meanwhile, a US-based missionary and founder of Building Zion, Alex Barbir, also condemned the killings, alleging that nine relatives of Dachomo were “hunted and slaughtered” by terrorists. “These are the realities our Nigerian brothers and sisters are facing alone. The church is absent. International community is absent. They are being hunted and slaughtered like animals and we in the West are simply watching,” Barbir wrote on X. Authorities have yet to announce any arrests in connection with the killings in Kum village.

US Condemns Killing of Pastor Dachomo’s Family Members in Plateau, Demands Justice

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Senate Bill Requiring Social Media Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholder Support at Public Hearing

Published

2 hours ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

Senate Bill Requiring Social Media Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholder Support at Public Hearing

Senate Bill Requiring Social Media Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholder Support at Public Hearing

The Nigerian Senate’s legislative push to compel social media platforms operating in the country to establish physical offices received significant acceleration on Thursday, as the majority of stakeholders at a public hearing endorsed the proposal, while also backing a separate bill for the establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Ekiti State.

The public hearing, organised by the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security at the National Assembly in Abuja, provided a platform for robust debate on two landmark bills that seek to position Nigeria as a competitive player in the global digital economy. The first bill, sponsored by Senator Ned Nwoko (APC, Delta North), is titled: “A Bill for an Act to Alter the Nigeria Data Protection Act 2023 to Mandate the Establishment of Physical Offices within the Territorial Boundaries of the Federal Republic of Nigeria by Social Media Platforms and for other related matters”. The second bill, sponsored by Senator Yemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South), seeks to establish an Artificial Intelligence Academy in Omuo-Ekiti, Ekiti State, to serve as a centre of excellence for AI education, research and innovation.

In his opening address, the Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security, Senator Shuaib Afolabi Salisu (Ogun Central), explained that while the social media bill was designed to strengthen Nigeria’s digital ecosystem and improve regulatory engagement with global technology companies, the AI Academy bill seeks to provide a hub for artificial intelligence research and development. The President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who was represented by the Deputy Senate Leader, Senator Lola Ashiru (Kwara South), described the two bills as forward-looking and nationally significant legislative proposals that reflect the Senate’s enduring commitment to improved lawmaking and good governance. He specifically declared that the bill seeking to mandate social media platforms to establish physical offices is not intended to stifle innovation but to enhance accountability and their contribution to the country’s economy.

READ ALSO:

Senator Nwoko, in his submissions at the public hearing, offered strong assurances that the bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. “This bill is neither punitive nor hostile to innovation. It is not designed to frustrate investment or discourage technology companies from operating in Nigeria. On the contrary, it seeks to deepen their engagement with Nigeria by encouraging them to become true corporate citizens of our country,” he stated. The lawmaker argued that requiring physical presence by operators of social media platforms is a common practice in other countries that are even smaller in size and population than Nigeria. He noted that around the world, major technology companies have established headquarters, regional offices, engineering centres and operational hubs in countries such as the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Spain, Singapore, India, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, Brazil, Australia and Japan. Some of these companies maintain multiple offices within the same country. For instance, Meta operates major facilities in Dublin, Cork and Clonee in Ireland, while its United Kingdom operations span King’s Cross and Brock Street in London. Google maintains multiple offices in London, Dublin, Sydney, São Paulo, Munich and Tokyo, with more than one campus in several of those cities. These offices perform diverse functions ranging from engineering and artificial intelligence research to legal and regulatory compliance, public policy, advertising, trust and safety, cloud services, sales, customer support and product development. Nwoko noted that these countries did not attract such investments by accident, but recognised early that the digital economy is now as important as the traditional economy. By encouraging global technology companies to establish local operations, they have created employment, expanded tax revenues, strengthened regulatory engagement, promoted innovation and encouraged technology transfer to their citizens.

The lawmaker pointed to Ireland as an example, noting that the presence of companies including Meta, Google, LinkedIn, TikTok and X had transformed the country into one of Europe’s leading technology hubs. These companies employ thousands of professionals, contribute substantially to the Irish economy and work directly with regulators and government institutions. The presence of these companies has also helped develop local technology talent, stimulate innovation and attract further foreign investment. “The question therefore is simple: if countries with significantly smaller populations and digital markets than Nigeria have secured these investments and benefits, why should Nigeria continue to stand on the sidelines? Why should Africa’s largest digital market not enjoy the same opportunities?” he asked.

While the proposal received overwhelming support from many stakeholders, there were also dissenting voices. The Chairman of the Practitioners of Content Creating, Influencers and Skit Makers Guild of Nigeria, Obinna Nwanfo, strongly backed the bill, stating that many social media platforms often have policies unfavourable to content creators, making it difficult to resolve complaints relating to the loss of followers and account restrictions. However, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) and the Nigeria Internet Registration Association (NIRA) expressed concerns. The President-elect of the NBA, Oyinkansola Badejo-Okusanya, advised the committee to amend the bill to require platforms to appoint local representatives instead of mandating physical offices, recommending that the proposed 30-day compliance timeline be extended to at least 180 days. Similarly, NIRA’s Chief Operating Officer, Seyi Onasanya, suggested that requiring physical offices alone would not be sufficient, and that the government should require platforms to host their data on Nigeria’s domain or within the country’s jurisdiction. Other organisations that participated in the public hearing included Paradigm Initiative, the Nigerian Youths of Social Media Analysts, Digital Civic, the Middle Belt Youth Congress and the Nigerian Female Youth Organisation. Meanwhile, the African Democratic Congress (ADC) has opposed the bill, describing it as an attempt by the Federal Government to silence Nigerians ahead of the 2027 general election. The Socio-Economic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) also asked the National Assembly to withdraw the bill, warning that it could lead to the exclusion or shutdown of social media platforms and violate the rights of millions of Nigerians.

The Senate Committee on ICT and Cyber Security is expected to review stakeholder submissions and make recommendations for further legislative consideration before presenting its report to the Senate. The committee’s decision will determine whether the bill proceeds to the next stage of the legislative process.

Senate Bill Requiring Social Media Offices in Nigeria Gains Stakeholder Support at Public Hearing

Loading

Continue Reading

metro

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

Published

2 hours ago

on

July 24, 2026

By

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists
Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

The Nigerian Army has declared Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu wanted for allegedly selling military uniforms to terrorists and criminal groups, raising urgent concerns about insider threats and national security vulnerabilities.

The Headquarters of the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps (NAOC) announced the development in a statement on Thursday, July 23, 2026, signed by the Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, Major Oluwatope Dorcas Aluko. The military authorities said preliminary investigations linked Amutu to the unauthorised distribution of military uniforms before he reportedly disappeared from his duty post. According to the Army, Amutu was serving at the Nigerian Army Ordnance Kits Factory before he allegedly absconded from his unit on June 3, 2026. His disappearance triggered further investigations, which uncovered allegations connecting him to the illegal movement and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements. Military authorities have since declared him wanted, and intensive efforts are underway to locate and apprehend him so that he can face a full investigation and appropriate disciplinary action in accordance with existing military laws. “The Headquarters Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps has declared one of its personnel, Private Mohammed Yusuf Amutu, wanted over his alleged involvement in the illegal sale and supply of military uniforms to terrorists and other criminal elements,” the statement read.

READ ALSO:

Emphasising its zero-tolerance policy toward misconduct, the Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps warned that any personnel found to have aided terrorists, criminals, or other non-state actors through the unauthorised sale, diversion, or distribution of military uniforms, accoutrements, or other controlled items would face the full weight of both military and civil laws. “The Nigerian Army Ordnance Corps wishes to state unequivocally that it has zero tolerance for misconduct, indiscipline, or any act capable of compromising the operational effectiveness, integrity and reputation of the Nigerian Army or threatening national security,” Aluko stated. The Corps said it is committed to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets. It assured Nigerians that it would continue to strengthen internal control measures and ensure that every allegation of misconduct is thoroughly investigated, while those found culpable are held fully accountable.

Security experts say the unauthorised sale of military uniforms poses a critical security risk, as it allows terrorist groups to disguise themselves as soldiers during attacks, making it difficult for civilians to differentiate between genuine troops and impostors. The development comes barely days after the Presidency warned of the possible infiltration of security agencies by terrorists and criminal elements, raising fresh concerns over insider threats within the nation’s security architecture. Military uniforms and related items are considered controlled materials whose unauthorised distribution poses serious security risks, especially when they fall into the hands of insurgents, bandits, kidnappers, and other criminal groups. Security agencies have repeatedly expressed concerns over the use of military uniforms by criminal elements to deceive members of the public, evade security checks, and carry out attacks while impersonating security personnel.

The Corps appealed to members of the public to support ongoing efforts by providing credible information that could lead to the arrest of the wanted soldier. Anyone with useful information regarding Amutu’s whereabouts has been urged to report to the nearest military formation or any security agency for immediate action. The Nigerian Army reaffirmed its commitment to accountability, professionalism, and the protection of military assets. It reiterated that allegations of misconduct involving its personnel would not be ignored and would be subjected to transparent investigation.

Army Declares Soldier Wanted Over Alleged Sale of Military Uniforms to Terrorists

Loading

Continue Reading

Trending