ASABA / WARRI — Police authorities in Delta State are trailing a man identified as Emma, who is currently on the run after allegedly beating his wife, Nora, to death in front of their three young children following a dispute over a visit to a bereaved family friend.
The suspect reportedly launched a fatal assault on his wife after she returned from offering condolences to the husband of her deceased friend.
Sequence of the Tragic Incident
According to detailed accounts provided by the victim’s family and local sources, the dispute stemmed from a visit Nora made to a mutual acquaintance:
- The Permission: Nora had reportedly informed her husband of her intention to visit one Cyril—a photographer who had worked at their wedding—whose wife, Jennifer, had recently passed away during childbirth. Emma initially gave his consent.
- The Allegation and Assault: Accompanying her sister on the condolence visit, Nora returned home later that evening, only for her husband to fly into a rage and accuse her of infidelity despite her repeated explanations.
- Brutal Assault in Front of Children: Eyewitnesses and relatives alleged that Emma attacked Nora with an iron rod, chasing her out of their residence and continuing the beating near a swampy ditch. The assault reportedly occurred in full view of their three young children, aged 8, 5, and 1.
- Abandonment and Flight: After the victim collapsed into the water, the suspect allegedly left her unassisted. He returned nearly two hours later to find her motionless, raised a false alarm, and fled the scene when it became clear she had died.
Family Account and Call for Justice
In a tearful audio statement released by the victim’s sister, the family called on law enforcement agencies to track down the fleeing suspect and ensure justice for the deceased mother:
“My sister tell her husband say she wan go visit Cyril, the guy wey do photographer for their marriage, whose wife die through operation. Him say ‘okay.’ Na she and my sister go together. But when she return, him use iron whip my sister. She fall inside the swamp water, and him waka leave her body like that. He come back two hours later come pretend.”
Security Response
LOCATION: Delta State
VICTIM: Nora (Mother of three)
SUSPECT: Emma (Husband, Currently at Large)
STATUS: Manhunt underway; Case under preliminary police investigation
Neighbours confirmed that Nora was pronounced dead upon being rushed to a medical facility, while the children have been taken into the care of extended family members.
Police detectives from the Delta State Police Command are currently gathering forensic evidence and tracking signals to apprehend the fleeing suspect.
