The Edo State Police Command has arrested a 42-year-old minibus driver following the death of a 32-year-old woman, Joy Jerome, whose body was found by a roadside near a river in Benin City.
Confirming the arrest, the police spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, said the incident came to light after the Ohen of Ikpe community reported the discovery of the body on 10 January.
Officers from the Idogbo Division were dispatched to the scene and conveyed the body to a hospital, where the woman was confirmed dead. Her body was later deposited at the Stella Obasanjo Mortuary.
Subsequent investigations identified the deceased as Joy Jerome, a resident of Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City. Police later arrested Osabuohen Igerevba, who lives in the same neighbourhood.
According to the police, the suspect and the deceased were romantically involved. Events leading to the woman’s death allegedly occurred on the night of 9 January, when the suspect picked her up and an argument ensued on their way to his home.
Police said the suspect accused the woman of being unfaithful and expressed anger over being unable to contact her for two days. During the confrontation, he reportedly stopped the vehicle and assaulted her.
The woman became unresponsive and was rushed to hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Police alleged that the suspect, acting out of fear, later transported her body to a nearby community and abandoned it close to a river.
The suspect remains in custody and has reportedly confessed, as police continue their investigation.
Reacting to the incident, the police advised members of the public, especially young women, to be vigilant in their relationships. ASP Ikoedem urged people to avoid abusive partners and heated arguments in isolated places, and called for early reporting of domestic violence.
“Domestic violence should never be ignored,” she said, adding that timely reporting could help prevent loss of life.
