A man is being held at the State CID in Owerri, Imo State, following the death of his wife, which her family alleges was the result of a severe beating over a business payment.
Kelechi Prince Okeke from Ngor-Okpala is accused of assaulting his wife, Olumma Chizoba Lucy Akataobi, 29, from Abia State.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, 2nd February, after she requested money from him.
According to the deceased’s sister, Ezinne Akataobi, the sum in question was 35,000 Nigerian Naira (approximately £65).
Olumma, a trader at Relief Market in Owerri, had provided a customer with her husband’s bank details after a transfer to her own account failed.
The customer paid the £65 into Kelechi’s account, which he confirmed receiving.
However, a confrontation allegedly erupted when Olumma asked for the money upon returning home.
While Kelechi claims his wife died suddenly after complaining of chest pains while eating, her family strongly disputes this account.
They assert she was beaten and are calling for justice. Ezinne revealed the family had repeatedly urged Olumma to leave the marriage, but she had always returned to her husband.
Authorities in Owerri are now investigating the case.
The husband remains in custody as enquiries continue.
