Motunrayo Olaniyi, a 30-year-old man, was taken into custody for allegedly stabbing his six-month-pregnant wife, Olajumoke, and setting her body on fire in their apartment at Amazing Grace Estate in the Elepe community of Ikorodu, Lagos.
According to eyewitnesses and authorities, the couple’s marital issues began shortly after their traditional wedding three months prior, when Olajumoke was already three months pregnant.
Neighbours reported that Olaniyi repeatedly accused his wife of infidelity, claiming the pregnancy was a result of an affair with one of his brothers.
A neighbour, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that Olaniyi’s behavior escalated into violence earlier in the week. “He attacked Jumoke in her mother’s presence,” the neighbor stated. “Her mother took him to church for deliverance prayers, believing he was possessed.” However, the situation tragically worsened.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin, confirmed Olaniyi’s arrest and provided details on the investigation.
“On Friday, October 4, we received a distress call regarding a domestic dispute between Olaniyi and his 25-year-old wife, Olajumoke, at their residence.”
Upon responding to the scene, detectives found Olajumoke’s lifeless body with abdominal wounds and rescued Olaniyi, who had inflicted minor injuries upon himself. He was treated at a nearby hospital and subsequently taken into police custody.
During interrogation, preliminary findings indicate that Olaniyi stabbed Olajumoke during an altercation and then attempted to harm himself.
The corpse has been transferred to the Ikorodu General Hospital morgue for autopsy, and investigations are ongoing.
