Family Demands Action Over Suspect In Shimite Bello’s Death
The family of the late Shimite Bello Love, former Special Adviser on Trade and Export to Delta State Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, has called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Kayode Egbetokun, to take decisive federal action over alleged police misconduct in the investigation of her death.
Speaking during a press conference held in Abuja on Thursday, family head Chief Kimashinor Nwakalo-Imu accused the Delta State Police Command of shielding the prime suspect, Mr. David Favour Love, from justice. He described the investigation into Shimite’s death as “sloppy and unprofessional,” alleging that the Command has disobeyed a directive from the IGP to fully transfer the case to Abuja.
“Despite the IGP’s directive to transfer both the case file and the suspect, Mr. David Favour Love, to the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja, only the file was sent. The suspect remains in hiding while the Delta Police Command claims ignorance of his whereabouts,” Nwakalo-Imu said.
Alleged Escape and Suspect’s Evasion
The case dates back to Easter Sunday when Shimite reportedly died following a domestic dispute. According to the family’s petition, a pharmacist, acting on Pastor Love’s instruction, administered oral and intravenous medication to the deceased without taking her vital signs. The pharmacist advised immediate hospitalization, but the suspect allegedly refused. Shimite died in their bedroom shortly after.
Reports also claim Pastor Love kept Shimite isolated in their room for three days, barring family members from access. After her death, he was briefly detained but later released under unclear circumstances. Since then, his phone lines have been disconnected, and his whereabouts remain unknown.
IGP Monitoring Unit Steps In
Following the family’s petition, the IGP Monitoring Unit queried the Delta Command’s handling of the case. They have since taken over the case file but lack custody of the suspect, which Nwakalo-Imu said undermines the integrity of the investigation.
“We’re not backing down. If the Delta Police Command continues to obstruct justice, we urge the IGP to declare Pastor Love wanted,” Nwakalo-Imu stated. “This is no longer a family issue—it’s a national matter of justice and accountability.”
Demands for Accountability
The family is pursuing a case of criminal negligence, regardless of autopsy outcomes. They say medical mishandling and failure to seek urgent care point to culpable irresponsibility on the part of the suspect.
“Our call is not just about punishment. It’s about preventing future cases of domestic abuse and holding all complicit parties accountable,” Nwakalo-Imu emphasized.
Public Support Sought
The family urged the public, media, and civil society to support their demand for justice.
“We need Nigerians to stand with us. The Delta State Police Command must not be allowed to protect anyone from answering for a human life lost,” the family said.
The IGP’s office has yet to respond publicly to the latest developments.
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