Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A 29-year-old woman, identified as Olumma Chizoba Lucy Akataobi, has reportedly died under circumstances her family alleges were the result of domestic violence in Owerri, Imo State. The incident is said to have occurred at about 11 p.m. on Monday, February 2, triggering public outrage and renewed concerns over intimate partner violence in southeastern Nigeria.
According to relatives, Olumma was allegedly assaulted by her husband, Kelechi Prince Okeke, following a dispute over ₦35,000. The amount, family members claim, represented proceeds from a customer that had been paid into Okeke’s bank account on her behalf. Her sister, Ezinne Onyedikachi Brenda Akataobi, has publicly accused Okeke of beating Olumma to death after she requested the money to continue her small-scale business activities the following day.
“She only asked him for her ₦35,000 to continue her business the next day, and he killed her,” Ezinne alleged, describing her sister as hardworking and focused on sustaining her livelihood. The family maintains that Olumma had no prior health issues and had made plans to go to the market the following morning, contradicting alternative explanations reportedly circulated after her death.
Ezinne further alleged that following the incident, Okeke informed some individuals that Olumma had collapsed while eating and complained of chest pain before she died. The family disputes this version of events, insisting there were visible indications of physical assault and that Olumma had not been ill. They have called for a thorough forensic investigation to determine the precise cause of death.
The case has intensified scrutiny on domestic violence in Imo State and across Nigeria, where advocacy groups continue to warn of underreported incidents of spousal abuse. Civil society organisations say economic stress, entrenched gender norms, and weak enforcement of protective laws often contribute to escalating violence within homes.
Family members disclosed that they had previously cautioned Okeke against physically abusing Olumma and had encouraged her to leave the marriage and return home. According to Ezinne, concerns about her sister’s safety had been raised before, but she continued to hope for reconciliation and stability in her household.
In a subsequent update, Ezinne confirmed that Okeke is currently being detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Owerri. Police authorities have not yet issued a detailed public statement on the circumstances of the death, but sources indicate that investigations are ongoing, including efforts to obtain medical and autopsy reports.
Legal experts note that under Nigerian law, domestic violence resulting in death may constitute culpable homicide or murder, depending on the findings of investigators and the court’s interpretation of intent and evidence. Nigeria’s Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act, which seeks to criminalise various forms of abuse, provides a legal framework for prosecuting offenders, though implementation and enforcement vary by state.
Imo State has adopted legislation addressing gender-based violence, but rights advocates argue that enforcement gaps remain. Many victims are reportedly reluctant to seek help due to stigma, economic dependency, or fear of retaliation. In cases that result in death, families often face lengthy legal processes and must navigate complex judicial procedures to secure accountability.
Women’s rights groups have responded to the incident by urging authorities to conduct a transparent and impartial investigation. They emphasise the importance of forensic examination, witness testimony, and digital evidence, including financial records, to establish a clear timeline and motive. Advocates also stress the need for swift prosecution where sufficient evidence exists, to reinforce deterrence and restore public confidence in the justice system.
Community reactions in Owerri have been marked by grief and anger. Neighbours described Olumma as industrious and soft-spoken, expressing shock at the alleged circumstances of her death. Social media platforms have amplified calls for justice, with many users demanding that the case not be overlooked or quietly settled.
The alleged dispute over ₦35,000 has further ignited debate about financial control and economic abuse within marriages. Experts on domestic violence explain that economic coercion—where one partner restricts or controls access to money—can be an early warning sign of escalating abuse. When combined with physical violence, such patterns often signal heightened risk for serious harm.
Psychologists and social workers emphasise the need for accessible support systems, including shelters, hotlines, and community-based counselling services. They argue that prevention requires both legal accountability and public education to challenge norms that tolerate or minimise domestic abuse.
As the investigation progresses, the Akataobi family says it remains committed to pursuing justice. They are calling on law enforcement authorities to ensure that the matter is handled with transparency and urgency, and that any attempt to misrepresent the circumstances of Olumma’s death be thoroughly examined.
For now, Olumma’s death stands as a stark reminder of the lethal consequences domestic violence can carry. The outcome of the CID investigation will determine the next legal steps, but for her family, the immediate priority is accountability and assurance that similar tragedies can be prevented.
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