The couple, who migrated from Nigeria to the UK in 2022 and had three children, frequently clashed over alleged infidelities and disputes regarding household expenses.
The news outlet revealed that Abodunde, aged 48, had been the subject of multiple investigations by Suffolk Police for domestic violence. He was set to stand trial for murder but changed his plea to guilty on Wednesday, after a jury had been selected.
During the altercation, law enforcement officers heard several disturbances inside the residence, where Abodunde had entered despite being prohibited by bail conditions imposed the previous day following another violent incident.
Twenty-five minutes later, when authorities gained entry, they discovered Taiwo, aged 41, with severe head injuries.
Nevertheless, Judge Martyn Levett, presiding over the case at Ipswich Crown Court, cautioned Abodunde that the sole conceivable penalty was life imprisonment.
Suffolk Constabulary has initiated an inquiry with the Independent Office of Police Conduct, which verified that three officers are under scrutiny.
An IOPC spokesperson stated, “We have informed two Suffolk officers that they are being investigated for potential breaches of the police standards of professional behavior, categorized as gross misconduct. Another officer has been informed of an investigation at the level of misconduct.”
Abodunde had a documented history of jealousy and suspicion, often accusing his wife of infidelity. He had been the subject of multiple police investigations regarding alleged incidents of domestic violence prior to his wife’s death.
His arrest occurred on April 27 of the previous year, when police responded to an incident at the couple’s residence in Newmarket, Suffolk, and found Mrs. Abodunde with a split lip.
Following his arrest, he was released on police bail the same day with conditions prohibiting him from returning to the marital home or contacting his wife. However, despite these conditions, he returned home shortly after 9 am following a night shift at Tesco, allegedly to retrieve his mobile phone.
At 9:20 am, two officers arrived to take a statement from Mrs. Abodunde regarding the previous night’s altercation and heard repeated banging noises from inside the residence. It wasn’t until 9:55 am that they forcibly entered with approval from senior officers, discovering Mrs. Abodunde deceased near the front door.
A subsequent post-mortem examination revealed that she had been strangled into unconsciousness, then subjected to further violence, including being stomped on until her ribs were broken, before ultimately being killed with the skateboard. The force of the blows was so severe that the skateboard sustained damage.
Prosecutor Simon Spence KC informed the court that the banging noises heard by the officers were likely Abodunde continuing to assault his wife even after she had lost consciousness or died.
Mrs. Abodunde was employed as a care home assistant in Cambridge, while her husband, a trained civil engineer, struggled to find employment in his field and took on shifts at Tesco and Wickes.
Following his arrest for murder, Abodunde was hospitalized due to what appeared to be a mental health episode.
In a statement to the police, he later claimed he acted in self-defense, alleging, “My wife has subjected me to physical abuse for a number of years. On November 28, we got into an argument. She ran at me with a knife, I grabbed the knife and cut my hand. I was defending myself.”
However, the court was informed that while he did sustain an injury to his hand, there was no knife found near his wife’s body.
Nneka Akudolu KC, in defense, mentioned that the level of violence exhibited was entirely uncharacteristic for her client and could have been influenced by medication he was taking. However, she stated that no medical evidence would be presented to substantiate this assertion.
Detective Inspector Dan Connick from Suffolk Police commented after the proceedings, stating, “This was a horrific assault on a woman that has had a profound impact on the community and, most significantly, on the victim’s family. We are relieved that Taiwo’s family will not have to endure the anguish of a trial. Our sympathies remain with Taiwo’s family and friends, and we hope this outcome brings them some measure of solace.”
Taiwo Abodunde was employed at Cambridge Manor Care Home, specializing in dementia care, residential, and respite care.
A representative for the facility, owned by TLC Care, expressed their sorrow, stating, “We are deeply shaken and saddened by the tragic loss of Taiwo, who was a beloved member of our community. Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to her family. Taiwo always showed compassion and kindness to those under our care, and she will be greatly missed by both us and our residents.”
Abodunde has been detained in custody and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 9th.
