Police operatives from the Akwa Ibom State Command have arrested a 42-year-old pastor with the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Victor Okoh.
He reportedly hacked his 38-year-old wife, Victoria Okoh, to death with a cutlass over allegation of adultery.
The incident happened on 10th March, 2025, at Effiong Essang Street, Oron Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State.
The pastor has been arrested and detained for interrogation for the murder.
This was disclosed by the Akwa Ibom State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Timfon John, who confirmed the arrest and stated that the suspect was in police custody while the body of the deceased had been deposited at the General Hospital morgue, where an autopsy would be conducted to aid further investigations.
The incident was said to have happened in the early hours of Monday around 5:20am.
After the killing, Pastor Okoh was said to have hidden inside the ceiling, where the police traced and arrested him.
Neighbours reported hearing a heated argument between the couple before the situation escalated to violence.
Pastor Okoh was said to have ordered his wife to leave the house and move to her parents’ residence the previous night.
However, he later called her back inside, leaving neighbours uncertain about what led to the tragic turn of events in the morning.
The suspect allegedly locked the main door and the external protector, preventing neighbours from intervening when the victim cried out for help.
Disturbed by the noise, residents gathered around the house but were unable to gain access.
The neighbours then alerted the Police, who arrived promptly at the scene.
The police forced his door open and discovered the lifeless and mutilated body of the wife.
The cutlass, which was suspected to have been used in the attack, was recovered by the police as exhibit.
The PPRO, DSP Timfon John, stated: “The Police have immediately commenced investigations into the incident. In an attempt to evade arrest, the suspect reportedly hid in the ceiling of the house but was eventually discovered and apprehended.”
The Commissioner of Police in Akwa Ibom State, CP Baba Azare, condemned the gruesome act and assured the public that justice would be served.
He also urged residents to seek peaceful and lawful means of resolving disputes rather than resorting to violence.
The suspect will be arraigned for the alleged murder under the Criminal Laws of the State after the conclusion of investigations by the police.