Bus driver arrested by police in Edo over girlfriend’s death

A 42-year-old commercial bus driver, Osabuohen Igerevba, has been arrested by the Edo State Police Command in connection with the alleged killing of his 32-year-old girlfriend, Joy Jerome, in Benin City.

The incident came to light on January 10 after the Chief Priest (Ohen) of Ikpe community alerted the police to the discovery of a lifeless female body found near a river along a roadside.

The Edo State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Eno Ikoedem, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Benin on Tuesday.

According to Ikoedem, operatives from the Idogbo Police Division promptly responded to the report and recovered the body, which was taken to a hospital where doctors confirmed that the woman was dead.

Her remains were later deposited at the Stella Obasanjo Mortuary.

Police investigations subsequently identified the deceased as Joy Jerome, a resident of Upper Sakponba Road, Benin City.

This led to the arrest of Igerevba, who lives in the same area.

Further findings revealed that the suspect and the deceased were in a romantic relationship, and that the incident occurred on the night of January 9.

The police spokesperson explained that Igerevba allegedly picked Jerome up that evening, during which an argument ensued while they were heading to his residence.

According to police accounts, the suspect accused the woman of infidelity, claiming he had been unable to reach her for about two days.

During the confrontation, he reportedly stopped the vehicle and physically assaulted her.

Ikoedem said the victim became unresponsive and was rushed to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.

In a state of panic, the suspect allegedly transported her body to a riverside community and disposed of it, where it was discovered the next day.

The police spokesperson confirmed that Igerevba is currently in custody and has reportedly confessed to the crime, while investigations are ongoing.

Reacting to the incident, Ikoedem advised members of the public, particularly young women, to exercise caution in their relationships.

“We urge people to be vigilant and avoid abusive relationships. It is important to stay away from confrontations in isolated places or with individuals who exhibit violent tendencies,” she said.

She also encouraged prompt reporting of domestic violence and relationship conflicts to the police, stressing that early intervention could prevent tragic outcomes.

Parents and guardians were equally urged to guide young people on peaceful ways of resolving disputes.

“Domestic violence should never be overlooked. Timely reporting can save lives,” she added.