MBAITOLI, Nigeria — A man identified simply as Reginald from Lawa-Ogbaku in Mbaitoli Local Government Area of Imo State has reportedly committed suicide after accusing his wife of engaging in an illicit relationship with another man, said to be his kinsman.
According to local sources, the deceased had repeatedly confronted the man in question, identified as Ukachukwu, a widower from the same kindred, warning him to stay away from his wife.
Despite Reginald’s warnings, the relationship allegedly continued.
On Sunday, August 3, 2025 Reginald reportedly received fresh information about the ongoing affair.
Overwhelmed by distress and humiliation, he was found hanging from a tree in the compound of Ukachukwu.
“He has been warning his wife and his brother severally about their illicit affair, but they wouldn’t listen,” said a community member who asked not to be named.
“So on Sunday, we don’t know what really happened, he hanged himself in Ukachukwu’s residence.”
Community elders are said to have previously intervened to caution both individuals about their conduct, but their efforts proved futile.
The affair, according to several accounts, had become a subject of concern and embarrassment within the community.
The deceased’s body was reportedly buried immediately after discovery, in accordance with traditional practices that prohibit the prolonged keeping of a body in cases of suicide.
“They don’t keep such body according to tradition, it’s a taboo when a suicide is committed, the body has to be buried immediately,” the source said.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s wife — said to be a native of Agwa in neighbouring Oguta Local Government Area — has not been seen since the incident and is believed to have fled the community.
Local authorities have not released an official statement on the matter, and it remains unclear whether any investigation will be launched into the circumstances surrounding the death.
