The Imo State Police Command has detained a man, Kelechi Prince Okeke, over the death of his wife, Olumma Chizoba Lucy Akataobi, following an alleged domestic altercation in Owerri.
PLATFORM TIMES gathered that Okeke, a native of Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area, was arrested and is currently being interrogated at the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department after his wife reportedly died on Monday, February 2.
Family sources said the incident was triggered by a disagreement over ₦35,000 paid by a customer into Okeke’s bank account for goods sold by his wife at Relief Market, Owerri.
According to the deceased’s sister, Ezinne Akataobi, the customer initially attempted to transfer the money to Olumma’s account, but the transaction failed, prompting her to provide her husband’s account details. The payment reportedly went through and was confirmed by Okeke.
Trouble allegedly started when Olumma returned home and asked for the money to restock her business.
“She only asked for her ₦35,000, and that was when the problem started,” Ezinne said. “Next thing, we heard she was dead.”
However, Okeke denied beating his wife to death, claiming she suddenly complained of chest pains while eating, vomited, and collapsed.
“She shouted, ‘my chest, my chest,’ and before I knew it, she was gone,” he reportedly told investigators.
The deceased’s family has rejected the account, insisting that Olumma was physically assaulted and is demanding justice.
“We always told her she was loved at home and should leave the marriage, but she kept returning to him,” her sister added.
Police sources confirmed that investigations are ongoing to determine the actual cause of death, while an autopsy has reportedly been requested.
The incident has renewed concerns over domestic violence and intimate partner abuse in the country, with rights groups calling for stronger enforcement of laws protecting women and faster prosecution of offenders.
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