Mrs Christy Akingboye, widow of the late Bamidele Akingboye, former Social Democratic Party governorship candidate in the November 2024 Ondo State election, has denied allegations that she played any role in her husband’s death.
Describing the allegations as “wicked, fabricated, and intentionally designed to malign her and her children,” Christy spoke with journalists in Lagos on Monday, detailing her husband’s prolonged battle with mental illness and the toll it took on their family.
Christy said Bamidele was diagnosed with bipolar manic disorder in 2019, a condition that led to repeated episodes of mania, suicidal behaviour, and erratic actions.
She added that the family treated his illness discreetly to protect him from public judgment.
She recounted incidents, including one in 2019 when their daughter stopped him from jumping off a balcony, and another in Dubai, where police had to take him to a psychiatric facility.
She explained that the pressures of political life, mounting debts, and lack of rest further worsened his condition.
She said, “He was my friend. I didn’t just lose a husband, I lost my better half.”
Christy also revealed that her late husband was under financial strain, with debts running into hundreds of millions of naira, which exacerbated his mental health challenges.
She lamented the stigma surrounding mental illness and suicide in Nigeria, saying she initially chose silence to protect her husband’s dignity and political legacy.
“In our society, suicide is something people weaponise. I didn’t want my husband to remember that way,” she said.
The widow accused her stepson, Samuel Akingboye, of spreading doctored photographs and making false allegations that she was responsible for Bamidele’s death.
She insisted that the original mortuary photographs show no bruises, cuts, or injuries and accused Samuel of using AI-generated images to suggest foul play.
Christy also criticised the initial police investigation, alleging bias, procedural lapses, and compromise.
She said investigators failed to examine her husband’s room, seal off the scene, or review medical records before summoning her and her children, who were reportedly detained for three days.
“The family was detained for three days after the incident,” she said, noting that she had petitioned higher authorities, prompting the case to be reassigned.
According to her, the new investigative team conducted a thorough review, including visiting the rooms, balcony, and neighbouring properties.
Christy also disclosed that CCTV footage from a second camera was overwritten due to delays by the initial investigators.
She expressed concern over repeated summons and attempts to force a narrative of murder despite the absence of forensic evidence.
She recounted a recent ordeal in which she and her children were escorted to Panti Police Station, where more than 20 armed officers were reportedly waiting, despite assurances they would not be detained.
“If not that I prepared my children mentally outside, they would have panicked,” she said.
Christy questioned why her stepson continued frequenting the police station long after the case was transferred.
“He has been going to Panti every day. What is he doing there?” she asked.
Despite her grievances, she expressed hope that the Directorate of Public Prosecutions would objectively review the case once the police submit their file.
“My hands are clean. God knows the truth. I have nothing to hide,” she said.
“He was my friend. I fought for his life for years. His children saw the episodes; they know what happened. They all need therapy after this.”
Christy urged authorities to focus on her husband’s medical history, saying that only a fair and thorough review would bring closure.
“I didn’t kill my husband. I loved him and stood by him through everything. I only want the truth to prevail,” she added.
-Advertisement-
Grab our latest Magazine, "Chief Wole Olanipekun, CFR, SAN, A man of wide horizons and deep intentions". Get your order fast and stress free.
For more details about Newswire Law&Events Magazine, kindly reach out to us on 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk. You will be glad you did
Download E-MagazineDo you want to be heard, your events covered, your articles published, or need to advertise your products and services on our Blog and Magazine, reach out to us at Newswire Law and Events, you will be glad you did. For more details about our services, please call: 08039218044, 09070309355. Email: newswiremagazine@yahoo.co.uk
