Residents of River Valley Estate in the Ojodu–Berger area of Ogun State have been thrown into shock following a grisly domestic tragedy involving Mr. and Mrs. Ayoola Ayanwale, which ended in the death of both spouses within 24 hours.
The tragedy reportedly began on Thursday, January 8, when Mrs. Ganiyat Ayobami Ayanwale was allegedly murdered by her husband at their residence in the estate.
According to accounts gathered by Nigerian Newstrack, Ayoola Ayanwale fatally stabbed his wife, the mother of their three children, during a domestic dispute around 8:00 p.m.
The incident came to light after one of the couple’s children reportedly raised alarm. Despite efforts to save her, Mrs. Ayanwale succumbed to the injuries inflicted on her.
The suspect was said to have fled the scene immediately after the attack.
Following the incident, security operatives and residents launched a manhunt for Ayoola Ayanwale, with flyers circulated within and beyond the community declaring him wanted.
However, he remained at large throughout Thursday night and the early hours of Friday, January 9.
At about 5:00 p.m. on Friday, January 9, the lifeless body of a man believed to be Ayoola Ayanwale was discovered at the new site of Palmgroove Community Development Association (CDA) in the Sotubo area of Ogun State.
Those who found the body suspected suicide, noting foamy substances around his mouth. A bottle of insecticide, popularly known as “Sniper,” was also reportedly found near the body, fueling speculation that he may have ingested a poisonous substance.
Meanwhile, the Ogun State Command of the Nigeria Police has confirmed the incident. The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said Ayoola Ayanwale was found gasping for breath in an open field in the Sotubo area and was later pronounced dead by a medical doctor.
DSP Babaseyi disclosed that preliminary findings suggest the suspect may have taken his own life on Friday, January 9, 2026.
He added that items recovered at the scene, including two mobile phones, a voter’s card and an ATM card helped establish the deceased’s connection to the earlier murder of his wife.
The police spokesperson further confirmed that the couple’s three children have been placed in the care of relatives.
He said the Commissioner of Police has ordered a full investigation into the incident, with the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further inquiry.
