Residents of Ondo State have been left in shock following two disturbing incidents confirmed by the Commissioner of Police, Adebowale Lawal, on Sunday — one involving a fatal domestic altercation in Okitipupa and the other the discovery of a decomposing body linked to suspected ritual activity in Akungba.
In the first case, 24-year-old Augustina Mowarin was arrested after allegedly stabbing her live-in partner, Michael Ikuedowoni, during a heated argument over suspected infidelity.
According to CP Lawal, the couple had a history of trust-related disputes, and during one of their frequent quarrels, Mowarin reportedly grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed Ikuedowoni in the leg.
“He was rushed to a private hospital but unfortunately died from the injury,” the commissioner stated.
Police said they intervened swiftly to prevent a mob from attacking the suspect after news of the incident spread. She was initially taken to Irele Police Division for protection before being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for further investigation.
Lawal revealed that a delay in reporting the incident—nearly two weeks after it occurred—initially hampered prompt police response.
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In a separate case, detectives discovered the decomposed body of Busayo Joy, a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University and a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator, in a padlocked room in Medoline, Akungba.
Joy had been declared missing after failing to remit N750,000 in daily business proceeds, raising suspicion about her whereabouts.
“The foul smell coming from the room led officers to break in, where they found her remains. Items suspected to be for ritual purposes, including black soap and cowries, were recovered at the scene,” said CP Lawal.
Preliminary investigation suggests that Joy may have been murdered, with police naming her boyfriend — now on the run — as a person of interest in the case. Her body has been deposited for autopsy as authorities intensify the manhunt for the suspect.
“These incidents are deeply troubling,” CP Lawal said. “We are leaving no stone unturned to ensure justice in both cases.”
He urged members of the public with useful information to assist the police and reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting lives and upholding the law.