Police operatives in Ondo State have apprehended a 35-year-old commercial motorcyclist, James Sunday, for the alleged murder of his wife’s friend.

The incident took place on March 13, 2024, at No. 47, Ijoka Road, Akure, the state capital, where the suspect allegedly strangled the deceased, Justinah, with a rope.

According to residents in the area, the 42-year-old victim had a previous dispute with the suspect over the diversion of her cow meat, which was valued at N250,000. This dispute may have been a contributing factor to the tragic event.

James was subsequently arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate Court on a one-count charge of murder.

The police prosecutor, Taiwo Oniyere, informed the court that the crime violated sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.

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Oniyere urged the court to remand the defendant in the Olokuta Correctional Centre until advice is received from the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP.

The defendant, however, denied the allegation and claimed that he had known the deceased for over nine to 10 years in Ile-Oluji town.

He stated that he met his wife through the deceased and had not come in contact with Justinah since they moved to Ondo.

The defense counsel, Falana, requested a date to file a reply to the remand application.

Chief Magistrate T. O. Olusola-Olujobi, with the defendant’s plea not being taken, ordered the remand of the defendant in police custody. The case was adjourned until April 18, 2024, for a ruling.