Family of Late Shimite Bello Love, a former Special Adviser on Trade and Export to Governor Sheriff Oborevwori, who was allegedly murdered on Easter Day during a domestic dispute, has raised alarm over the alleged refusal by the Delta State Police Command in Asaba to hand over the suspect in the alleged murder case to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Monitoring Unit.

Recall that the IGP Monitoring Unit, a few days ago, reportedly issued a query to the Delta State Police Command over its allegedly mishandled and compromised investigation into the death of Shimite Bello Love.

The police in Abuja intervened following a formal petition by the head of Shimite?s family, Chief Kimashinor Nwakalo-Imu, who accused the Delta Police of conducting a sloppy and unprofessional investigation.

The petition also highlighted the mysterious escape of the main suspect, Pastor Love, from police custody in Asaba, which prompted the family to seek the IGP?s intervention.

According to Nwakalo-Imu, the IGP?s Monitoring Unit has taken over the case file from the Asaba Command. The case also involves a pharmacist who, at the suspect?s direction, administered both oral and intravenous medication to Shimite 24 hours before her death.

The pharmacist reportedly revealed that she had advised the suspect to take Shimite to the hospital as her condition appeared critical, but he refused. Shimite subsequently passed away in their bedroom. The pharmacist admitted to not taking vital signs such as blood pressure or temperature before administering the medication.

Meanwhile, the main suspect, Pastor Love, who reportedly kept Shimite locked in their bedroom for three days and denied access to other family members until her death, is currently evading police. The Delta State Police Command, which released him, has been unable to locate him, with his known phone lines disconnected.

Addressing a world press conference on Thursday in Abuja, Nwakalo-Imu, who raised the alarm, lamented that the command?s refusal to hand over the suspect raises concerns about potential obstruction of justice.

Nwakalo-Imu urged the command to immediately rearrest the alleged suspect, Mr. David Favour Love, and hand him over to the IGP Monitoring Unit as directed.

He noted: ?We commend the Inspector General of Police (IGP) and his team for their unwavering commitment to justice in the case of Shimite?s alleged murder. Their prompt intervention has ensured a thorough investigation.

?Despite the IGP?s directive to transfer both the case file and prime suspect, Mr. David Favour Love, to the IGP Monitoring Unit in Abuja, the Delta State Police Command in Asaba has only partially complied. The command?s refusal to hand over the suspect raises concerns about potential obstruction of justice.

?We urge the Delta State Police Command to immediately rearrest Mr. David Favour Love and hand him over to the IGP Monitoring Unit as directed.

?If the command fails to act, we request that police authorities declare Mr. David Favour Love ?WANTED?, and arrest him wherever he is found.?

He called on the public, human rights organisations, and media to amplify the family?s appeal and maintain pressure on the Asaba Command until justice is served. (The Guardian)