A 48-year-old Nigerian man, Olubunmi Abodunde, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of his wife, Taiwo, using a skateboard. The tragic incident took place in their Newmarket home, resulting in Taiwo’s death from catastrophic brain injuries in November 2023.

Abodunde confessed to the crime, acknowledging his responsibility for Taiwo’s death, as reported by the BBC. The Ipswich Crown Court highlighted the severity of the attack that led to her demise at their residence on Exning Road.

Facing a minimum of 17 years in prison before parole consideration, Abodunde breached bail conditions that prohibited contact with his spouse. Despite these restrictions, he went to the family home the morning after a domestic incident to retrieve a mobile phone.

Taiwo, a mother of three and a health care assistant, was returning home from her overnight shift when the tragedy unfolded. CCTV footage revealed her arrival at approximately 09:12, shortly before two officers arrived to speak with her regarding the previous day’s domestic disturbance.

Prosecutor Stephen Spence KC recounted the harrowing scene where officers, after receiving no response at the door, heard sounds akin to an assault. They were eventually granted entry by senior police officials and discovered Taiwo’s lifeless body, bearing injuries consistent with a brutal attack.

A postmortem examination revealed Taiwo had sustained catastrophic brain injuries, along with injuries indicative of being stamped on and struck with a skateboard. Abodunde, visibly distraught during proceedings, faced accusations of waiting for confrontation and fabricating a self-defense narrative that lacked evidence.

Judge Levett condemned the heinous nature of Taiwo’s killing, describing it as “ruthless, violent, savage, and heartless.” He emphasized Abodunde’s lack of remorse, evident only in his courtroom sobs, and dismissed any notion of self-defense.

The aftermath of the murder prompted Suffolk Police to refer itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior interactions with the couple. Several officers are under investigation for potential breaches of professional conduct standards, though disciplinary action remains pending.

Abodunde, once a respected figure in both the UK and Nigeria, now faces the consequences of his actions, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and remorse.