In a heartbreaking turn of events, Olubunmi Abodunde, a Nigerian residing in the United Kingdom, has been reported to have fatally beaten his wife, Taiwo, using their son’s skateboard, according to a report by Daily Mail.
The couple, who migrated from Nigeria to the UK in 2022, had been experiencing ongoing conflicts, primarily revolving around alleged extramarital affairs and disputes over financial responsibilities.
Despite being under investigation multiple times by Suffolk Police for domestic violence incidents, the 48-year-old Abodunde changed his plea to guilty for murder after initially facing trial.
During one of the abusive episodes, neighbors alerted authorities upon hearing disturbing noises emanating from the couple’s residence. Despite bail conditions prohibiting Abodunde’s presence at the property, he was found inside, and upon entry by officers, his 41-year-old wife was discovered with severe head injuries.
Judge Martyn Levett, presiding over the case at Ipswich Crown Court, emphasized the gravity of the offense, indicating that the only possible sentence for Abodunde is life imprisonment.
In response to the tragic incident, Suffolk Constabulary has referred itself to the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC), as three officers are currently under investigation for potential breaches of professional conduct standards.
The court proceedings unveiled a history of jealousy and suspicion on Abodunde’s part, with allegations of domestic violence against his wife. Despite being previously arrested and released on bail, Abodunde violated the conditions and returned home, where the fatal altercation occurred.
A post-mortem examination revealed the extent of the brutality inflicted upon Mrs. Abodunde, indicating that she was strangled until unconscious and subsequently assaulted with such force that her ribs were broken before succumbing to the fatal blows from the skateboard.
In his defense, Abodunde claimed to have acted in self-defense, alleging a history of physical abuse by his wife. However, the absence of a knife near the victim’s body contradicted his statement.
As the community reels from the tragedy, Detective Inspector Dan Connick expressed solidarity with the victim’s family and emphasized the impact of the incident on both the local community and the victim’s workplace, Cambridge Manor Care Home.
Abodunde remains in custody awaiting sentencing on May 9, while tributes pour in for Taiwo Abodunde, described as a cherished member of her workplace community.
