Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
The Rivers State Police Command has arrested a man identified simply as Mr. Abuchi in connection with the alleged murder of his wife in Amaji village, a settlement within the Umuoyoro Community of Omuma Local Government Area.
Police spokesperson Grace Iringe-Koko confirmed the arrest in a telephone conversation, stating that the suspect is currently in custody and that a full-scale investigation has been ordered. According to her, the Commissioner of Police directed that the matter be treated with urgency to ensure justice is served without delay.
The incident occurred on Thursday when the couple reportedly travelled to their farm in Amaji village. While authorities say the precise sequence of events is still under investigation, local sources indicated that a disagreement broke out between the husband and wife while they were at the farm.
During the altercation, the suspect allegedly attacked his wife with a kitchen knife. The woman, described by residents as a mother of two, sustained fatal injuries. Her identity has not yet been formally released by the police pending notification of extended family members.
A resident familiar with the incident told reporters that villagers working nearby became aware of the situation after hearing a loud scream. The cry for help prompted several people to rush toward the farm. On arrival, they reportedly found the woman severely wounded and quickly subdued the suspect before restraining him.
The suspect was subsequently handed over to security personnel and later transferred to the Eberi Police Division in Omuma for further questioning and processing. Law enforcement officials have not disclosed whether a formal charge has been filed, but investigators are expected to conclude preliminary inquiries before proceeding with prosecution.
A security source, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to address the media, stated that the suspect allegedly told investigators he did not understand what had come over him at the time of the attack. Police authorities have not commented on this claim, noting that all aspects of the case, including the suspect’s mental state, are subject to ongoing review.
The killing has sent shockwaves through the Umuoyoro Community. Residents described the couple as known members of the area, and many expressed disbelief that a domestic disagreement could escalate to such fatal violence. Community leaders have called for calm while urging law enforcement to ensure a transparent investigation.
Domestic violence advocates say the incident highlights the persistent risks faced by women in intimate relationships, particularly in rural communities where access to intervention services may be limited. Civil society groups in Rivers State have repeatedly called for stronger preventive measures, including awareness campaigns, counseling services and more robust enforcement of existing laws designed to protect vulnerable individuals.
The Centre for Basic Rights and Accountability Campaign, a human rights organization, condemned the killing as an extreme act of cruelty. In a statement issued on Friday, the group’s National Coordinator, Prince Wiro, said there could be no justification for the alleged action and urged the police to carry out a thorough and impartial investigation.
The organization further emphasized the importance of prosecuting offenders in domestic violence cases to deter similar incidents and reinforce public confidence in the criminal justice system. It also called for greater community vigilance and support mechanisms to identify and defuse domestic conflicts before they turn deadly.
Legal analysts note that under Nigerian criminal law, homicide offences attract severe penalties upon conviction, including life imprisonment or capital punishment, depending on the classification of the offence and the specific findings of the court. Any prosecution in this case will require the state to establish intent and causation beyond reasonable doubt.
Authorities have assured residents that the case will be handled in accordance with due process. Investigators are expected to compile forensic evidence, obtain witness statements, and review all relevant circumstances surrounding the alleged attack before submitting a case file to the Director of Public Prosecutions.
As the investigation continues, the tragedy has left two children without their mother and a community grappling with grief. Local leaders have appealed for restraint in public commentary, stressing that the judicial process must be allowed to run its course.
The Rivers State Police Command has reiterated its commitment to protecting lives and property and urged citizens to report signs of domestic violence or escalating disputes to appropriate authorities before they spiral into irreversible outcomes.
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