Husband in Police Custody
The Delta State Government has been thrown into mourning following the sudden death of Shimite Bello Love, Special Adviser to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori on Trade and Export, under circumstances now under police investigation.
The prominent politician and businesswoman, popularly known as Madam Sabificate, reportedly died of suspected poisoning on Easter Sunday.
Sources confirmed to newsmen that her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, is currently detained by the police over allegations of involvement in her death. Eyewitnesses reported that the victim was foaming at the mouth before being pronounced dead at St. Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, where she was rushed for emergency treatment.
Before her appointment as the governor’s aide, the late Bello Love had an illustrious career in public service. She served as Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa and was the PDP aspirant for Oshimili North constituency in the 2023 State Assembly primaries.
Beyond politics, she headed the Quintessential Group – a diversified conglomerate with interests in agriculture, solid minerals, and social enterprises.
A family member who spoke on condition of anonymity revealed: “She was perfectly healthy when we spoke on Saturday. By Sunday evening, she was gone under terrifying circumstances.”
Police authorities in Delta State have confirmed an ongoing investigation but declined further comments. The deceased’s body has been deposited at the Asaba General Hospital morgue pending autopsy.
Governor Oborevwori’s office is expected to release an official statement shortly as shockwaves spread through Delta’s political and business circles.
“I spoke with her for over an hour on Saturday. She was vibrant and told me about a meeting she had earlier attended. Nothing was wrong with her,” the source said. “On Sunday, I sent her Easter messages, but she didn’t reply—which was unusual.
According to the source, the family’s alarm was raised when Shimite’s maid called her elder brother, expressing concern that the husband had locked Shimite in the house all day.
“Her brother rushed over and found her inside the house with foam already coming out of her mouth. He took her to the hospital, but she was declared dead on arrival. The police were immediately called and arrested her husband.”
Family members allege that Shimite’s husband had isolated her from loved ones and tightly controlled her movements.
“Since he came into her life, he cut everyone off. Her brother couldn’t even visit. He wouldn’t let her go to the office. He was always trailing her. Even the name on all her properties in Abuja and elsewhere was changed to his name. We believe she was manipulated—hypnotised even,” a family source said.
“If she were not hypnotised, which woman with her right senses would do such? What kind of love is that your husband would follow you everywhere you went, and you wouldn’t see anything wrong with that? Your husband would lock you in and not allow you to go to the office?
“Anytime you tell Shimite about certain things, she would tell you, ‘Don’t worry, my husband is a pastor. He’s my spiritual father. He sees everything.’ It’s very unfortunate Shimite had to learn the hard way. How could a special adviser to a governor just die like that?”
Sources close to the family described Pastor David as “overprotective” and “jealous,” and suggested he was intimidated by Shimite’s prominence and beauty.
“The man had nothing before meeting her. He only came to drain her. It’s heartbreaking.”
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful, as his mobile line was unreachable at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Shimite’s body has been deposited in the mortuary as police investigations into her death continue.
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