Operatives of the Ondo State Police Command have arrested a middle-aged woman, Mary Olatunde, for allegedly battering her husband and inflicting serious injuries on him during a domestic altercation in Akure, the state capital.

The suspect reportedly attacked her husband, Julius Olatunde, with a cutlass at their residence in Ilado, Igbatoro Road, following a purported domestic dispute.

With the incident throwing the neighbourhood into shock, neighbours disclosed that the couple had previously been involved in several heated altercations.

Mary was arrested after neighbours reported the matter to the Gender-Based Offences Unit (GBV Unit) of the Command.

The swift response by the police subsequently led to the suspect being taken into custody while the victim was rushed to a medical facility for treatment of deep cuts and bodily injuries.

While confirming the incident, the Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Abayomi Jimoh, stated that the victim was inflicted with serious bodily injuries.

According to Jimoh, upon the conclusion of investigation, the suspect was subsequently charged to court, where she is currently facing prosecution.

He said, “Police investigators conducted a comprehensive investigation, obtaining statements from the victim and the suspect while also gathering necessary evidence to aid the case.

“Upon the conclusion of the investigation and the establishment of a prima facie case, the suspect was arrested and subsequently arraigned before a competent court of jurisdiction for prosecution in accordance with the law.”

The police spokesman further emphasised the command’s zero-tolerance stance on domestic violence, regardless of the perpetrator’s gender.

“The Ondo State Police Command views all forms of domestic violence as a serious threat to the safety, dignity and well-being of individuals and remains committed to ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable regardless of gender, status or relationship with the victim,” Jimoh added.

He urged members of the public to promptly report cases of domestic violence, abuse and other gender-related offences to the nearest police station or the Gender-Based Offences Unit for immediate intervention and necessary legal action.

“The Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, reassures residents that the command will continue to uphold justice, protect vulnerable persons, and ensure that all reported cases are professionally investigated and diligently prosecuted,” Jimoh stated.