Wednesday, November 19, 2025 - 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 was responsible for her husband’s d3ath.
Akingboye was reported to have d!ed under uncertain
circumstances on September 3, 2025, with family members and aides claiming that
his body was discovered in the backyard of his mansion.
Earlier, detectives of the State Criminal Investigation
Department (SCID), Panti, Yaba, had arrested and interrogated nine close family
members and aides in connection with the d3ath.
One of the early red flags investigated by detectives was a suspicious transfer of N50 million from the late Akingboye’s account, allegedly shared by some members of his immediate family, among other issues.
His first son, Samuel Akingboye, who resides in Ondo State,
alerted the police and called for a comprehensive investigation to unravel the
mystery surrounding his father’s d3ath.
Speaking with journalists in Lagos on Monday, November 17,
2025, she described the allegations as “wicked, fabricated, and intentionally
designed to malign her and her children,”
Christy revealed that 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.
“He was my friend. I didn’t just lose a husband, I lost my
better half,” she said.
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 d3ath.
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. 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," she
said.
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 k!ll my husband. I loved him and stood by him
through everything. I only want the truth to prevail,” she added.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command says it is
awaiting advice from the Department of Public Prosecution to press charges
against anyone found culpable of the alleged murder of Akingboye.
Speaking exclusively to Channels Television on November 15,
the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Olorundare Jimoh, confirmed that the
police had received the results of the autopsy and were now prepared to move
forward with further investigation and prosecution.
According to CP Jimoh, the autopsy, conducted on September
11, along with other recent findings, led to the arrest and re-detention of
seven out of the 14 members of the Akingboye family earlier invited for
questioning.
“With the toxicology findings concluded, we await advice
from the DPP so prosecution can begin against anyone found culpable of murder,”
CP Jimoh stated.
CP Jimoh reaffirmed his commitment to uncovering the truth
and bringing anyone involved to justice.
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