A 48-year-old Nigerian residing in Newmarket, Suffolk, United Kingdom, Olubunmi Abodunde, has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal killing of his 41-year-old wife, Taiwo Owoeye Abodunde, on November 28, 2023.
On November 28, 2023, Olubunmi killed Taiwo by hitting her over the head with his son’s skateboard in their home in Newmarket, Suffolk. This happened less than two years after the couple had moved to the UK from Nigeria, hoping for a better life.
Presiding over the case at the Ipswich Crown Court, Judge Martyn Levett delivered the somber verdict, with Abodunde facing a minimum of 17 years behind bars before being eligible for parole.
Prosecuting attorney Stephen Spence cited jealousy and financial disputes as contributing factors to the heinous crime, underscoring the corrosive impact of domestic discord.
“This was an awful attack on a woman that has had a lasting impact on the community and most importantly on the victim’s family,” said Detective Inspector Dan Connick after the hearing. “We are pleased that Taiwo’s family will no longer have to go through the pain of a trial. Our thoughts remain with Taiwo’s family and friends, and we hope this result will bring some small comfort to them.”
Olubunmi’s lawyer, Nneka Akudolu, said the violence was very unusual for him and may have been caused by medication he was taking, but she had no medical proof of this. Olubunmi pleaded guilty before being sentenced and reacted with shock when he realized he would spend his days in prison.
Taiwo’s brother, Kehinde Owoeye, spoke about the trauma this has caused for the couple’s three children, who have to accept that their father killed their mother. The family asked that some relatives be allowed to visit the children to help them heal and honor their late mother’s wishes.
Kehinde and his sibling plan to visit the children next month after getting visas from the British government. He said, “The plan is to check on the welfare of the children, bond with them and proceed accordingly.”
Taiwo worked at a care home and was known for her kind care of residents, especially those with dementia. Her employer was very sad and shocked by her death.
On November 27, 2023, Taiwo had reported that Olubunmi had assaulted her, one of many such reports dating back to August. Olubunmi was arrested but released with conditions not to contact Taiwo or return home. The next day, police heard noises from the home and found Taiwo dead in the living room.
The prosecutor said the noises were likely Olubunmi continuing to attack Taiwo even after she was unconscious or dead.
The couple’s relationship had many problems like domestic violence and distrust. Their communities in Nigeria were shocked by the tragedy.
