Why Are Police Detaining Husband Of Deceased Lady (“Mummy Calm Down”)?

Nigerians were shocked and heartbroken to learn of the death by suicide of Mrs Toluige Olokoobi, who became an internet sensation when a video of her son, Oreofeoluwa, begging her to calm down as he was about to be punished, went viral.
The news was broken on X by an account holder who was reportedly present at the scene.

The unfortunate incident was further confirmed on BBC pidgin service and the Police Command in Edo state, where the deceased lived.

The spokesperson of the Edo State Police Command, Chidi Nwabuzor, further told BBC Pidgin, on Thursday, that the husband of the deceased had been arrested and detained for questioning, which begs the question, why? What exactly is the crime the police are charging the husband with?

According to reports, the husband returned from the market to discover his wife’s lifeless body and raised alarm.

It is expected that in every suicide investigation, the police would interview the witnesses but not arrest anyone unless there is credible evidence of foul play. Are the police saying they suspect foul play?

Also, the police may arrest upon receipt of a petition against the deceased’s husband. Have they received such petition?

It’s a matter of public interest for the police to reveal why the deceased’s husband has been arrested.

Unless he has been released as at the time of writing this, his Fundamental Human Rights as guaranteed by 1999 Constitution are probably being breached as he has been detained without being charged for over 48 hours.

Unless the police have a valid reason to suspect that he is involved in a crime, the deceased’s husband should be released immediately and allowed to grief properly and comfort the children.

Authorities should be offering him grief counselling instead of locking him up.

A man whose wife has just committed suicide deserves consolation, not detention.