A man identified as Kelechi Prince Okeke has been taken into custody by the Imo State Police Command following the death of his wife, Olumma Chizoba Lucy Akataobi, 29, after an alleged domestic altercation in Owerri.
The incident reportedly occurred on Monday, February 2. Okeke, who is from Ngor-Okpala Local Government Area of Imo State, is currently being held at the Homicide Department of the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Owerri, as investigations continue.
According to accounts from the family of the deceased, the incident stemmed from a disagreement over ₦35,000. Olumma, a vegetable trader at Relief Market in Owerri, had sold goods worth the amount to a customer. When the customer attempted to make a bank transfer, the transaction reportedly failed. Olumma then provided her husband’s bank account details, into which the customer successfully transferred the money.
Family members claim that when Olumma later asked her husband to release the funds so she could reinvest in her business, an argument broke out. Her sister, Ezinne Akataobi, alleged that the disagreement escalated into a physical assault that led to Olumma’s death.
However, Okeke has denied the allegation. He reportedly told investigators that his wife was eating when she suddenly complained of chest pain, shouted “my chest, my chest,” vomited, and collapsed. He insists she died shortly after, without any physical confrontation.
Olumma’s family has rejected this version of events, insisting that she was subjected to repeated domestic abuse and is now calling for justice. Her sister stated that the family had on several occasions advised Olumma to return home, assuring her of their support, but she repeatedly went back to her husband.
Police authorities have confirmed that the matter is under investigation. Images circulating on social media show the suspect in handcuffs, fueling public outrage and renewed conversations around domestic violence.
As of the time of filing this report, the Imo State Police Command has not released an official statement on the cause of death. The outcome of the investigation will determine the next line of action.