The Imo State Police Command has taken into custody a 58-year-old man, Vitalis Nwoko, from Umuagba community in Ahiazu Mbaise Local Government Area, over an alleged case of domestic violence that reportedly led to the death of his wife, Uloma.
The Police Public Relations Officer, Henry Okoye, disclosed that operatives attached to the Ahiazu Mbaise Divisional Headquarters effected the arrest after a complaint was filed by the deceased’s sister, who accused Nwoko of brutally assaulting his wife during a domestic disagreement.
Okoye explained that initial findings revealed that the suspect admitted that a dispute with his wife on 11 December degenerated into a physical confrontation, after which the woman reportedly collapsed and was rushed to a hospital, where a medical doctor later confirmed her death.
The Police PRO said the suspect has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Owerri, to allow for detailed investigation and possible prosecution.
“The Commissioner of Police, Imo State Command, CP Aboki Danjuma, urges residents to promptly report cases of domestic violence, assuring the public of the Command’s resolve to deal decisively with perpetrators,” he stated.
Domestic violence continued to be a major concern in Nigeria in 2025, impacting women, men, and children in both urban and rural communities.
Available reports indicated an increase in incidents of intimate partner violence, sexual abuse, and child neglect, driven by economic pressures, entrenched cultural practices, and weak prosecution. While the Violence Against Persons (Prohibition) Act (VAPP) recorded broader adoption across states, enforcement remained uneven, leaving many victims confronted by stigma, fear of reprisals, and inadequate access to shelters or legal aid.
Civil society organisations and government bodies stepped up sensitisation efforts and advocated stronger protection mechanisms, yet the prevalence of domestic violence across the country remained significantly high.
