Mrs Christy Akingboye, widow of the late Bamidele Akingboye, former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in the November 2024 Ondo State election, has denied allegations that she was responsible for her husbands d3ath. Akingboye was reported to have d!ed under uncertain circumstances on September 3, 2025, with family members and aides claiming that his body was discovered in the backyard of his mansion. Earlier, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, had arrested and interrogated nine close family members and aides in connection with the d3ath. One of the early red flags investigated by detectives was a suspicious transfer of N50 million from the late Akingboyes account, allegedly shared by some members of his immediate family, among other issues. His first son, Samuel Akingboye, who resides in Ondo State, alerted the police and called for a comprehensive investigation to unravel the mystery surrounding his fathers d3ath. Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Monday, November 17, 2025, she described the allegations as wicked, fabricated, and intentionally designed to malign her and her children, Christy revealed that Bamidele was diagnosed with bipolar manic disorder in 2019, a condition that led to repeated episodes of mania, suicidal behaviour, and erratic actions. She added that the family treated his illness discreetly to protect him from public judgment. She recounted incidents, including one in 2019 when their daughter stopped him from jumping off a balcony, and another in Dubai, where police had to take him to a psychiatric facility. She explained that the pressures of political life, mounting debts, and lack of rest further worsened his condition. He was my friend. I didnt just lose a husband, I lost my better half, she said. Christy also revealed that her late husband was under financial strain, with debts running into hundreds of millions of naira, which exacerbated his mental health challenges. She lamented the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide in Nigeria, saying she initially chose silence to protect her husbands dignity and political legacy. "In our society, suicide is something people weaponise. I didnt want my husband to remember that way, she said. The widow accused her stepson, Samuel Akingboye, of spreading doctored photographs and making false allegations that she was responsible for Bamideles d3ath. She insisted that the original mortuary photographs show no bruises, cuts, or injuries and accused Samuel of using AI-generated images to suggest foul play. Christy also criticised the initial police investigation, alleging bias, procedural lapses, and compromise. She said investigators failed to examine her husbands room, seal off the scene, or review medical records before summoning her and her children, who were reportedly detained for three days. The family was detained for three days after the incident, she said, noting that she had petitioned higher authorities, prompting the case to be reassigned. According to her, the new investigative team conducted a thorough review, including visiting the rooms, balcony, and neighbouring properties. Christy also disclosed that CCTV footage from a second camera was overwritten due to delays by the initial investigators. She expressed concern over repeated summons and attempts to force a narrative of murder despite the absence of forensic evidence. She recounted a recent ordeal in which she and her children were escorted to Panti Police Station, where more than 20 armed officers were reportedly waiting, despite assurances they would not be detained. If not that I prepared my children mentally outside, they would have panicked, she said. Christy questioned why her stepson continued frequenting the police station long after the case was transferred. "He has been going to Panti every day. What is he doing there? she asked. Despite her grievances, she expressed hope that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions would objectively review the case once the police submit their file. My hands are clean. God knows the truth. I have nothing to hide. He was my friend. I fought for his life for years. His children saw the episodes; they know what happened. They all need therapy after this," she said. Christy urged authorities to focus on her husbands medical history, saying that only a fair and thorough review would bring closure. I didnt k!ll my husband. I loved him and stood by him through everything. I only want the truth to prevail, she added. Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command says it is awaiting advice from the Department of Public Prosecution to press charges against anyone found culpable of the alleged murder of Akingboye. Speaking exclusively to Channels Television on November 15, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Jimoh, confirmed that the police had received the results of the autopsy and were now prepared to move forward with further investigation and prosecution. According to CP Jimoh, the autopsy, conducted on September 11, along with other recent findings, led to the arrest and re-detention of seven out of the 14 members of the Akingboye family earlier invited for questioning. With the toxicology findings concluded, we await advice from the DPP so prosecution can begin against anyone found culpable of murder, CP Jimoh stated. CP Jimoh reaffirmed his commitment to uncovering the truth and bringing anyone involved to justice.
0 Comments