The death of Mrs Shimite Bello Love (née Nwakalo), Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has cast a dark shadow over the state following allegations that she may have been poisoned by her husband.
Popularly known in public and political circles as “Madam Sabificate,” Mrs Bello Love reportedly died on Easter Sunday under circumstances that have prompted widespread suspicion and a police investigation. The late adviser was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital, Asaba, where she was confirmed dead on arrival. Witnesses allege she was foaming at the mouth prior to her death.
Sources within the family have accused her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, of being complicit in her death. He has since been taken into custody by the Delta State Police Command for questioning.
A family member who asked not to be named told Time Africa that Mrs Bello Love had been in good health just the day before her death and had spent over an hour on the phone discussing work and family matters.
“She was her usual self—energetic and full of plans,” the source said. “We even exchanged Easter messages, but on Sunday, she didn’t reply. That was unusual.”
The alarm was raised by the family’s domestic help, who contacted the deceased’s elder brother after allegedly being locked out of communication with her employer throughout Easter Sunday. According to accounts, the brother arrived at the residence to find Mrs Bello Love unresponsive and foaming at the mouth. She was transported to the hospital, but it was too late.
“The police were immediately alerted and arrested the husband,” the source added.
The case has since sparked a flurry of public interest, not least because of Mrs Bello Love’s high profile and the deeply personal nature of the allegations. During the administration of Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, she served as Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency. She also contested the 2023 PDP primaries for the Oshimili North House of Assembly seat.
Outside politics, Mrs Bello Love was the Group President and Chief Executive Officer of the Quintessential Group, a business and social enterprise conglomerate involved in agriculture, solid minerals, and community development.
Family members and associates have painted a troubling picture of the couple’s relationship, describing Pastor Love as “possessive” and “controlling.” According to them, he systematically isolated her from friends and family and even restricted her professional engagements.
“He was always with her. She couldn’t make a move without his say-so. He had access to all her properties. Everything was in his name,” a family member alleged.
Another added, “She believed he was her spiritual guide. Any time concerns were raised, she would say, ‘Don’t worry, he’s a pastor. He sees everything.’ It’s devastating to think her trust may have led to this.”
Those close to the family claim Pastor Love had little means before marrying Mrs Bello Love, and they suggest he was intimidated by her influence and achievements.
“The relationship was not balanced. She had the stature, the business, the network. He came in and gradually took over everything. It’s a tragic end for a woman who had so much promise.”
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful at the time of filing this report.
Meanwhile, Mrs Bello Love’s remains have been deposited in a local mortuary, and the police have launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding her death. As the case unfolds, many in Delta State and beyond are demanding transparency and justice.
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