Landlady's Chilling Warning Ignored Before Alleged Fatal Attack
Disturbing new details have surfaced in the tragic case of Olumma Chizoba Lucy Akataobi, a 29-year-old mother-of-two who died under suspicious circumstances on the evening of Monday, February 2. The incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the grim reality of domestic violence in Nigeria.
Family's Account of Events Leading to Death
According to her sister, Ezinne Onyedikachi Brenda Akataobi, Olumma was allegedly beaten to death by her husband, Kelechi Prince Okeke. The fatal altercation reportedly erupted after Olumma requested the return of N35,000 that a customer had paid into her husband's account. Ezinne vehemently disputes Kelechi's claim that Olumma died suddenly while eating, screaming about chest pain before vomiting and collapsing.
Ezinne insists her sister was in good health earlier that day, having visited their mother and conducted business at the market. Neighbors corroborate this, stating they heard the couple quarreling loudly inside their home shortly before Olumma's death. One neighbor, in a voice note shared by Ezinne, admitted hearing the dispute but was too tired after returning from church to intervene.
Former Landlady's Haunting Revelation
As Ezinne shared these details on Facebook, a woman named Joy Maurice came forward with a chilling account. Joy revealed that Kelechi was her tenant years ago when he was still dating Olumma. She witnessed Kelechi beating Olumma during visits and explicitly warned the young woman to leave the relationship. Instead of heeding the advice, Olumma stopped greeting Joy, leading the landlady to eventually issue Kelechi a quit notice.
This revelation underscores a pattern of abuse that allegedly persisted into the marriage, with tragic consequences. Joy's testimony adds a layer of foreboding to the case, suggesting the violence was long-standing and preventable.
Family's Struggle for Justice and Autopsy
The Akataobi family is now grappling with both grief and financial constraints. They desire to conduct an autopsy to determine the exact cause of Olumma's death but lack the resources to do so. This hurdle complicates their pursuit of justice, as forensic evidence could be crucial in legal proceedings against Kelechi.
The case has drawn attention to broader issues of domestic violence, neighborly intervention, and the systemic challenges families face in seeking post-mortem examinations in Nigeria. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for support systems and legal protections for victims of abuse.
