OGUN, Nigeria – An unexpected and tragic incident unfolded on May 10, 2023, in Ifo, Ogun State, leading to the death of Vivian Omo during a confrontation with four employees of Zefa Microfinance Bank.
The bank officials were visiting her residence to collect a debt owed by her husband.
The event took place in the Abule Ijoko Lemode area, where the bank is based. The officials arrived at Omo’s home, but were informed by her that her husband was not present.
Ogun State police spokesman, Abimbola Oyeyemi, confirmed the details of the unfortunate incident in a statement on Sunday, May 14, 2023.
“The bank staff were not satisfied with the claim that the man was not at home. In response, they attempted to leave with some electronic items, which the late wife vehemently resisted.”
This situation quickly escalated. “During the struggle, one of the bank staff members pushed her. She fell and lost consciousness.
She was immediately rushed to the hospital, but sadly, the doctor on duty confirmed her death,” Oyeyemi stated.
The incident was reported to the local Agbado police division by the deceased’s daughter. Divisional Police Officer (DPO), CSP Awoniyi Adekunle, swiftly responded by dispatching detectives to the scene.
The bank staff involved in the incident – Badmus Olalekan, Ajibade Oludare, Eniola Aduragbemi, and Femi Oloko – were arrested.
The body of the deceased has been deposited at the Ifo General Hospital for autopsy.
In the wake of the incident, the Commissioner of Police in Ogun, Olanrewaju Oladimeji, has demanded the transfer of the suspects to the homicide section of the State CIID.
He issued a stern warning to lending agencies, stating, “Loan agencies must cease taking laws into their own hands in the process of recovering debts from their clients.
Any individual caught engaging in such behavior will be arrested and prosecuted.”
This tragic event has sparked a renewed discussion on the methods employed by financial institutions in the recovery of debts, as well as the need for stricter regulations to prevent such a devastating incident from recurring.
