Mrs. Fatima Umukoro, the proprietress of His Majesty Group of Schools in Sapele, Delta State, was allegedly murdered by her 25-year-old son, Emmanuel Umukoro.
According to Punch, the tragic incident occurred on the night of September 8, 2024.
Mrs. Umukoro was the wife of Rev. Prince Umukoro, the resident pastor of Victory Family Assembly Int’l (VIFA) and a prominent figure in Sapele.
Reports indicate that Emmanuel had been struggling with mental health issues compounded by suspected substance abuse. Despite undergoing rehabilitation, his addiction led to violent outbursts.
Neighbors who spoke to the publication claimed that Emmanuel attacked his mother with an axe and set her body on fire.
Witnesses noted that the gate of the Umukoro residence was unusually left open around 10 p.m., prompting neighbors and passersby to investigate. They discovered a fire inside the house and found Mrs. Umukoro’s body, burnt beyond recognition.
One witness reported seeing Emmanuel driving out of the compound at high speed around 8:30 p.m. in his mother’s car. Suspicious of his actions, neighbors alerted the police, who apprehended him along the Sapele-Warri Road as he attempted to flee.
State Police Command spokesperson SP Bright Edafe confirmed the incident on September 9, stating that while Emmanuel is in police custody, it has not yet been determined if he is the one responsible for the crime. An investigation is ongoing.
