Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria was thrown into shock and mourning following the violent deaths of Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Leramo Caleb and his wife, Iya Shanko.
The circumstances surrounding their deaths have left the community in disbelief, with reports suggesting a fatal domestic dispute escalated into a horrifying murder-suicide.
ASP Caleb was a well-known figure within the Ekiti legal system, particularly around the Court Premises at Fajuyi Park, Ado-Ekiti, where he served as a Police Prosecutor. Described as a focused and courageous officer, he handled numerous cases with diligence before being transferred to Oye-Ekiti during a police restructuring.
A court observer who often attended proceedings spoke of Caleb’s reputation for professionalism and dedication to justice. “He was such a brave and courageous man. I loved attending court sessions where he was the prosecutor. It’s shocking to hear that his life ended this way,” the observer lamented.
Although Caleb was widely respected in his profession, his personal life was marred by serious marital conflicts. Reports indicate that he had a troubled marriage and was previously married to another woman, who left due to allegations of domestic violence.
Sources close to the couple revealed that trouble escalated in early January after Caleb allegedly caught his wife in an extramarital affair. Upon discovering her infidelity, Caleb arrested her lover, but his colleagues at the police station advised him to focus on resolving issues with his wife rather than detaining her partner.
Since that incident, tensions in the marriage had reached a breaking point, with frequent conflicts reportedly turning their home into a battlefield.
On the fateful night, it is believed that Iya Shanko might have laced her husband’s food with drugs to weaken him. Seizing the opportunity, she allegedly used a sharp object to sever his manhood while he lay in bed, leading to massive blood loss. However, in a desperate act of retaliation, Caleb summoned the last of his strength and fatally attacked her before succumbing to his injuries.
Witnesses revealed that Caleb bled to death in their home, while his critically injured wife was rushed to Afe Babalola University Teaching Hospital (ABUAD), where she was pronounced dead. Their remains have since been deposited at the mortuary.
As the police continue investigations into the case, the community is left to mourn the loss of two lives that could have been saved had their conflicts been addressed differently.
