The Akwa Ibom State Police Command said it had arrested one Okon-Abasi Etim Okon, who absconded after allegedly murdering his wife by pouring acid on her.

Okon, a resident of Mbiakpan Ikot Edim village in the Ibiono Ibom Local Government Area of the state, had last Friday reportedly poured acid on his wife over a minor disagreement and fled to an unknown destination.

It was gathered that his wife was rushed to an undisclosed hospital in Uyo by good Samaritans, where she died the following day of severe acid burns.

A source told our correspondent that the man was apprehended and handed over to the state Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

Confirming the arrest on Wednesday, the command’s Public Relations Officer, Odiko Macdon, said in a statement that the man was arrested by the police with the assistance of youths of the area and would be prosecuted.

He stated, “The Akwa Ibom State Police Command, through its operatives at the ‘D’ Division, Itam, in conjunction with the youth of Mbiakpan Ikot Edim, have arrested one Okon-Abasi Etim Okon of Mbiakpan Ikot Edim, Ibono Ibom Local Government Area.

“Investigation revealed that the suspect poured raw acid on his wife, Margaret Okon-Abasi Etim, 40, on October 9, 2020, while she was sleeping, which led to her death.

“During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the crime and will be charged immediately after investigation.”

The statement called on spouses to resolve family issues amicably rather than resorting to violence.

 
By Patrick Odey