The Ondo State Police Command is currently investigating two harrowing incidents that have sent shockwaves across the state—one involving a suspected murder in a lovers’ quarrel and the other, the grim discovery of a decomposing female body believed to be linked to ritual activity.
A tragic case unfolded in Okitipupa where a 24-year-old woman, Augustina Mowarin, reportedly stabbed her partner, Michael Ikuedowoni, during a violent confrontation believed to be over suspected infidelity.
The couple, who had been living together for several years, were said to have a turbulent relationship marred by constant suspicion and quarrels. The altercation that led to Michael’s death allegedly began when Augustina accused him of being unfaithful. In the heat of the argument, she allegedly grabbed a pair of scissors and stabbed him in the leg.
Although Michael was rushed to a nearby private hospital in a bid to save his life, he sadly succumbed to his injuries.
Ondo State Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, revealed that officers had to intervene swiftly to shield the suspect from possible mob action. She was initially moved to the Irele Police Division for her safety before the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for further investigation.
Shockingly, the incident was not reported until two weeks after it occurred, adding a layer of complexity to the ongoing inquiry.
In a separate and equally disturbing case, police in Akungba uncovered the decomposed body of a young woman, identified as Busayo Joy—a graduate of Adekunle Ajasin University and a Point-of-Sale (POS) operator.
According to Commissioner Lawal, Joy had been declared missing after she failed to account for a sum of N750,000 in business proceeds. Her mysterious disappearance raised alarm, prompting a police search. Officers were eventually led to a padlocked room in the Medoline area of Akungba, where a strong stench forced them to break in.
Inside, they found Joy’s lifeless body in an advanced state of decomposition. Even more troubling was the presence of items typically associated with ritual practices, including cowries and black soap.
Authorities have since identified Joy’s boyfriend as the primary suspect in the case and have launched a manhunt for him. Meanwhile, her body has been taken for a formal autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
“These incidents are both heartbreaking and unsettling,” said CP Lawal. “We are leaving no stone unturned in our investigation to ensure that justice is delivered to the victims and their families.”