Protesters demand justice for pregnant woman murdered by husband in Benin

Family, friends, and colleagues of the late Success Izekor, a 38-year-old woman allegedly murdered by her husband, Kelvin Izekor, staged a protest yesterday at the Edo State Secretariat of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Benin City.

The group called for justice over the gruesome killing and urged authorities to ensure a thorough investigation into the case. The protesters, mostly women, were led by the victim’s distraught sister, Mrs Iziegbe Ugiagbe, who demanded that the case not be swept under the carpet. She called on the Edo State Governor, Monday Okpebholo, civil society organisations, and other stakeholders to intervene and ensure justice is served.

Speaking during the protest, Ugiagbe alleged that Kelvin Izekor’s family was attempting to influence the investigation by claiming that he was mentally ill at the time of the attack that resulted in Success’s death .

She expressed concerns about the direction of the investigation, fearing it could be compromised.

“We want a thorough investigation into this matter. My sister, who was heavily pregnant, was gruesomely murdered by her husband, and now his family is claiming he is mentally ill. This is unacceptable, and we demand justice for her and her unborn child,” Ugiagbe said.

The tragic incident, which occurred on Saturday, left residents in shock, as the couple was reportedly newly married. A neighbour, who chose to remain anonymous, expressed disbelief, saying, “I can’t believe what I saw. Imagine being killed by your own husband. They were newlyweds, and nobody expected such a fate to befall her.”

The Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Kelvin Izekor in connection with the murder. According to the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, the suspect was apprehended shortly after the incident. Yamu revealed that the police intervened just in time to prevent an irate mob from lynching the accused.