The family of the late Shimite Bello Love, a former Special Adviser on Trade and Export to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has accused the Delta State Police Command in Asaba of shielding the main suspect in her alleged murder.
Shimite Bello reportedly died on Easter Day under suspicious circumstances following a domestic altercation. The main suspect, her partner, Mr. David Favour Love — also known as Pastor Love — allegedly kept her locked in a bedroom for days and denied access to other family members before she died.
The family claims that the Delta State Police conducted a compromised investigation and has refused to hand over the suspect to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit, which has since taken over the case.
At a world press conference held on Thursday in Abuja, the head of the Bello family, Chief Kimashinor Nwakalo-Imu, alleged that the Delta Command released the suspect without a clear explanation and has failed to rearrest him despite a direct order from the IGP.
“Pastor Love is now on the run. His phone lines are off, and his whereabouts remain unknown,” Nwakalo-Imu said.
The case took a new turn after the family submitted a petition to the IGP, accusing the Asaba police of mishandling the matter and failing to secure the suspect. In response, the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja intervened and demanded that the suspect and the case file be transferred to its custody. While the case file was sent, the suspect remains at large.
One disturbing detail revealed during the investigation was the role of a pharmacist, who admitted to administering oral and intravenous drugs to Shimite 24 hours before her death — on instructions from Pastor Love. She confessed that no vital signs, such as blood pressure or temperature, were taken, and she had advised the suspect to take Shimite to the hospital, but he refused.
Nwakalo-Imu described the conduct of the Delta State Police as unacceptable and a possible attempt to obstruct justice.
“We commend the IGP and his team for stepping in. But the refusal of the Delta Command to comply fully with directives is deeply troubling,” he said.
He called on the Delta State Police Command to immediately rearrest Mr. Love and hand him over to the appropriate authorities. He also urged the police hierarchy to declare the suspect *wanted* if he fails to turn himself in.
The family appealed to Nigerians, human rights groups, and the media to support their demand for justice and keep public attention on the case until those responsible for Shimite’s death are brought to book.
