Man, 35, strangles wife’s friend over N.25m

A 35-year-old motorcyclist, James Sunday, has been arrested in Ondo State for allegedly strangulating a 42-year-old woman simply identified as Justinah Sunday.

Late Justinah was a friend of the suspect’s wife.

Police said the motorcyclist used a rope to commit the crime at No. 47, Ijoka Road, Akure.

It was gathered that the deceased asked the suspect to help her deliver beef worth N250,000 to one of her customers but he diverted the meat.

Police sources said the James threatened the deceased any time she demanded payment for her meat until she was found dead.

Jame was however arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court, on a one-count charge of murder.

Police Prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, informed the court that the offence contravenes Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

Plea of the defendant was not taken and Oniyere urged the court to remand the defendant to the Olokuta Correctional Centre, pending advice from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

But defendant denied killing the victim said he had known her for almost 10 years.

He claimed he had not since the late Justinah for a long time.

Presiding Magistrate, T. O. Olusola-Olujobi, ordered remand of James to police custody and adjourned case till April 18, 2024.