Jealous Edo bus driver kills lover, dumps body inside river

By Usman Aliyu

A 42-year-old minibus driver identified as Osabuohen Igerevba, for allegedly killing his 32 year-old lover, Joy Jerome in Benin and dumping her remains in a river in Benin, Edo State.

The murder of Jerome by the boyfriend was uncovered on Jan. 10 when the Ohen (community Chief Priest) of Ikpe community alerted the police to the discovery of a lifeless female body by the roadside near a river, the spokesperson for the Edo Police Command, ASP Eno Ikoedem, told journalists in Benin on Tuesday.

Ikoedem said operatives of the Idogbo Division immediately responded to the report and the body of Jerome was moved to the hospital where she was confirmed dead.

The remains were subsequently deposited at the Stella Obasanjo Mortuary, according to the police spokesperson.

Ikoedem however said investigations identified the deceased as Joy Jerome, a resident of Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City, and subsequently, the arrest of Igerevba, who also resides in the same area.

She added that further investigation revealed that the suspect and the deceased were in a romantic relationship and that the events that led to her death occurred on Jan. 9.

She explained that the suspect allegedly picked up the victim that night, and an argument broke out while they were on their way to his residence.

Igerevba, according to the police spokesperson, accused the deceased of cheating on him because he had not been able to reach her for about two days.

“During the argument, he parked the vehicle along the road. In the heat of the moment, he assaulted her,” the PRO said.

Ikoedem said the woman became unresponsive and was rushed to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead on arrival.

The Edo police spokesperson added that out of panic, the suspect later drove to a community close to the river and dumped the body, where it was discovered the following day.

Ikoedem confirmed that the suspect was in custody and had confessed to the crime, while investigations continued.

Using the incident to caution the public, Ikoedem urged young women, in particular, to be vigilant in their relationships.

“We advise members of the public, particularly young women, to be very cautious in their relationships.

“Avoid abusive relationships and avoid quarrels in lonely places or with hot-tempered partners,” she said.

She also encouraged the prompt reporting of domestic violence and conflicts to the nearest police station, while calling on parents and guardians to guide young people on peaceful conflict resolution.

“Domestic violence should never be ignored. Early reporting can save lives,” Ikoedem said. (NAN)