BENIN CITY – Augustine Okhakumhe, a middle-aged man who allegedly evaded arrest after being implicated in the death of his pregnant girlfriend, Grace Egheose, in 2013, remains on the wanted list of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to a renewed petition submitted through the Auchi Area Command to the Edo State Police Command in Benin City, Augustine is accused of conspiring with an unqualified medical practitioner to induce premature labour in Grace. When their attempt failed, the doctor reportedly carried out multiple unprofessional surgical procedures, which led to excessive bleeding and Grace’s death on January 9, 2013.
The latest petition, which reaffirms an earlier one filed in 2013, alleges that Grace’s death resulted from gross negligence and unprofessional conduct by both Augustine and the doctor. The petitioners claim that Grace could have survived if she had been allowed to carry the pregnancy to full term, but instead, Augustine and the quack doctor executed a plan that sent her to an early grave.
While addressing the press at the State Command Headquarters, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), DSP Chidi Nwabuzor, confirmed that Augustine and one Rita Oshiotse were involved in the events that led to Grace’s death. He revealed that the family of the deceased had earlier submitted a petition through the Auchi Area Command and have now re-submitted the case, urging the police to carry out a thorough investigation and ensure justice is served. The family insists that both Augustine and the deceased grandmother, Rita, conspired to kill Grace.
Meanwhile, our correspondent in Edo North who visited Ivhiomierere Okotor Quarters in Ogbona reported that a portion of Augustine’s family house, which was previously damaged, has now been completely razed by fire. The fire reportedly spread to a neighbouring property.
An elderly resident, who asked not to be named, expressed his frustration over the damage to his home, which he says he knew nothing about. He stated that Augustine’s family should be held responsible for the repairs and confirmed that he had already reported the matter to the Auchi Area Command.
When contacted at the State Command Headquarters, DSP Chidi Nwabuzor stated that the case was still being handled by the Auchi Area Command but would soon be transferred to the State Command for further investigation. He assured the public that the command is committed to bringing all those involved to justice.
DSP Nwabuzor added that investigations into the origin of the case have been concluded and that Augustine, Rita, and the unlicensed doctor involved remain on the police wanted list.
