Family, crime, justice: the story behind the alleged murder of Adimike Godwin

A case drawing public attention

The alleged murder of Adimike Godwin in Abuja's upscale Guzape District has drawn attention beyond the immediate criminal proceedings. The case is now before FCT High Court 13, where three defendants have been arraigned.

Among those standing trial are Adimike Odirachukwu Anthony and Adimike Chinyere Stephany, identified by police as children of the deceased, alongside Comfort Ajibade. Their identities have made the case a focal point in public discussion about violence within families.

The matter has also renewed discussion around domestic conflicts, family disputes and the need for stronger support systems capable of detecting and addressing tensions before they escalate. For now, the central issues before the court remain the allegations filed by prosecutors and the evidence to be tested in court.

What police say happened

According to the FCT Police Command, the incident unfolded on May 15, 2026, after a relative raised an alarm when repeated attempts to reach Adimike Godwin proved unsuccessful. Detectives from the Guzape Divisional Headquarters reportedly rushed to the residence.

Police said they found him unconscious in his room with multiple stab wounds. He was taken to hospital, but authorities said he did not survive.

He was immediately rushed to Karu General Hospital, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel on duty,

— SP Josephine, spokesperson, FCT Police Command

The Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, CP Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi, subsequently ordered an extensive investigation into the case. That investigation became the basis for the arrests and later charges filed in court.

Arrests and charges

The investigation initially led to the arrest of five suspects, including the deceased's driver and gateman. After reviewing the available evidence, prosecutors filed charges against Adimike Odirachukwu Anthony, Adimike Chinyere Stephany and Comfort Ajibade.

The three defendants were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy to commit culpable homicide, culpable homicide and offences under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act. Police said all three defendants were jointly charged with conspiracy to commit culpable homicide and culpable homicide in connection with the death of Adimike Godwin.

The separate allegations under the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act were also outlined in court filings: - Adimike Odirachukwu Anthony faces a separate charge of entering into a same-sex civil union. - Adimike Chinyere Stephany and Comfort Ajibade were jointly charged with entering into a same-sex civil union under the provisions of the Same Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act.

Court orders and the path ahead

The court adjourned the matter until September 30, 2026, for further proceedings. It also ordered that the three defendants be remanded at the Suleja Correctional Centre pending the hearing.

Beyond the immediate charges, the case highlights the role of investigators in gathering evidence before criminal charges are filed. It also reflects the principle that every suspect is entitled to a fair trial, with guilt or innocence determined by the court on the basis of the evidence presented.

As proceedings continue, the court is expected to examine the prosecution's evidence and any defence put forward by the accused persons. Until then, the allegations remain before the court, and the defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in accordance with the law.