The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of Lintex Ogale, a man from Benue State, who allegedly stabbed his girlfriend, Deborah Okwori, to death in her mainland apartment.
Deputy Public Relations Officer Babaseyi Oluseyi confirmed the arrest in an exclusive phone interview with PUNCH Metro on Sunday.
Earlier, the victim’s cousin, Laff Ijuo, told PUNCH Metro that the couple’s romantic relationship had ended about two years ago. Deborah had repeatedly expressed her refusal to reconcile, but Lintex allegedly continued to insist on resuming the relationship.
Ijuo said tensions escalated on Wednesday when Lintex reportedly disguised himself as a dispatch rider to gain access to Deborah’s apartment. He explained:
“The victim, Deborah Okwori, and the accused, Lintex Ogale, are both from Benue State. Deborah ended the relationship two years ago, but he insisted on reconciling. He threatened that if he could not have her, no one else would. Deborah blocked him on all platforms, but he attempted to lure her out using different phone numbers, which she refused.
“Knowing her residence, he entered the estate Wednesday night disguised as a dispatch rider. The compound gate was locked, so he climbed through another section of the fence. He came armed with a knife.”
Ijuo added that Lintex forced his way into Deborah’s apartment, stabbed her in the stomach, and attempted to cause an explosion by cutting the gas supply hose, which failed. Neighbours who heard the commotion intervened, overpowered him, and alerted the police.
“The main door was open, but the net was locked. He broke the net, overpowered her, and stabbed her multiple times. The cuts were so deep they perforated her lungs. Neighbours disarmed him, and the police were called,” Ijuo said, appealing to authorities to ensure justice is served.
Oluseyi confirmed that the case has been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.
“I can confirm the incident involving Deborah. The suspect has been arrested, and the case has been transferred to the SCID for further investigation,” he said.
