A 37-year-old ex-convict, Ademola Omokinwa, has been arrested by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly beating his girlfriend, Joy Jimoh, to death during an argument over a N100,000 debt.
The tragic incident occurred in Idanre, a town in Ondo State, after the deceased reportedly asked Omokinwa to repay the money she had loaned him.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Tuesday. He said the police swung into action after a neighbour of the victim, Ngozi Gregory, reported the matter.
“According to the report, during an argument between the two, the suspect became violent and repeatedly beat the victim until she lost consciousness,” Ayanlade said.
Joy was rushed to a nearby hospital, but doctors confirmed her dead on arrival. Her body has since been deposited at the mortuary for a post-mortem examination, while the police continue their investigation.
Omokinwa, who is said to have a criminal past, is now in custody. Preliminary investigations revealed that he had borrowed N100,000 from Joy and had been avoiding repayment. When she confronted him about the money, it allegedly led to a heated argument that turned fatal.
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State has ordered the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) for a more thorough investigation.
“This case will be handled professionally and comprehensively. Justice must be served,” Ayanlade assured.
“She really tried for that man. She gave him money to start something, and now he has taken her life,” a neighbour told reporters.
The news of her death has sparked outrage in the Idanre community, with many calling for the suspect to face the full wrath of the law.
This case adds to the growing list of domestic violence incidents in Nigeria, where women are often the victims of abuse and deadly attacks, especially in relationships where financial tension is involved.
The suspect will be charged to court once investigations are complete.
