Olubunmi Abodunde, a 48-year-old Nigerian man, has been sentenced to life imprisonment in the United Kingdom for the murder of his wife, Taiwo Abodunde. The incident occurred in their Newmarket home in November 2023, resulting in Taiwo’s death from catastrophic brain injuries.
Abodunde admitted to the murder, which took place at their residence on Exning Road. The Ipswich Crown Court highlighted the severity of the attack, noting that Taiwo’s skull had been smashed.
Abodunde will serve a minimum of 17 years in prison before being eligible for parole.
The court heard that a domestic incident the day before Taiwo’s death led to Abodunde’s arrest and bail conditions that prohibited contact with his wife. Despite these conditions, Abodunde returned to the family home the next morning to retrieve a mobile phone.
Taiwo, a mother of three, was returning home from her overnight shift as a healthcare assistant when the attack occurred. Prosecutor Stephen Spence KC explained that CCTV footage showed her arriving home around 09:12. Shortly after, at 09:20, two officers arrived to speak with her about the previous day’s incident but received no response.
During this time, officers heard 40 to 50 “thuds,” believed to be the sounds of Abodunde attacking his wife. When officers entered the property at 09:45, they found Taiwo’s lifeless body with severe head injuries. A post-mortem examination confirmed she had suffered catastrophic brain injuries, had been strangled, and had injuries consistent with being stamped on and hit with a skateboard, which was found covered in blood and skull fragments.
Abodunde, sobbing in the dock, claimed his loss of control was due to medication and that his wife had previously attempted to attack him with a knife, although no evidence supported this.
Judge Levett described the killing as “ruthless, violent, savage, and heartless,” noting Abodunde’s lack of remorse beyond his sobbing in court. Levett dismissed Abodunde’s claims of self-defense, stating there was no justification for his actions.
Following the murder, Suffolk Police referred themselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct due to prior contact with the couple. Two officers are under investigation for gross misconduct, and another for potential breaches of professional standards. An IOPC spokesman noted that these investigations do not necessarily mean disciplinary proceedings will follow.
Abodunde had been a well-respected figure in both the UK and Nigeria, where he served as a local councillor and had a street named after him. The couple had a history of frequent disputes over bills and money, involving low-level violence. Abodunde’s defense stated that he deeply regrets the misery he has caused.
The case continues to prompt reflection on domestic violence and the effectiveness of legal measures in preventing such tragedies.
