How abusive Nigerian man strangled and beat his wife to death with son's skateboard months after arriving in the UK
A Nigerian man killed his wife, a care home assistant, just months after their relocation to the UK from Nigeria. Olubunmi Abodunde, 48, pleaded guilty to the murder of his wife, Taiwo Abodunde, 41, in a UK court on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
The court learned that Olubunmi Abodunde had a history of domestic violence and had previously been investigated by Suffolk Police. Despite bail conditions that barred him from approaching the family home following a violent episode, he entered the house where his wife and children were located. There, he violently attacked Taiwo Abodunde, leading to her death.
Three Suffolk police officers are under investigation by the Independent Office of Police Conduct (IOPC) for potential breaches of professional behavior in handling the incident. Prior to the tragic murder, Olubunmi Abodunde had accused his wife of having affairs, and their relationship was marked by frequent domestic violence incidents.
On April 27, 2023, Olubunmi Abodunde was arrested after police found Mrs. Abodunde with a split lip. He was later released on bail but returned to the family home the next day, resulting in the fatal attack on his wife. The post-mortem examination revealed the brutality of the assault, indicating that Mrs. Abodunde had been strangled, beaten, and stamped on before her death.
Despite claiming self-defense and citing alleged past physical abuse from his wife, the court found no evidence to support Olubunmi Abodunde's claims. His defense argued that the level of violence was uncharacteristic and potentially influenced by medication, although no medical evidence supported this assertion.
Detective Inspector Dan Connick expressed the gravity of the situation, acknowledging the impact on the victim's family and the community. The sentencing for Olubunmi Abodunde is scheduled for May 9, with the court emphasizing the seriousness of the crime and the inevitable life imprisonment sentence for a guilty plea.
Taiwo Abodunde's workplace, Cambridge Manor Care Home, expressed deep sorrow over her tragic death, highlighting her compassionate nature and dedication to caring for others. The facility extended condolences to her family and emphasized her significant contributions to their community.
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