Mrs. Shimite Bello Love (née Nwakalo), known as “Madam Sabificate” and the Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has died under suspicious circumstances.
Newsonspot gathered that she reportedly died on Easter Sunday from suspected poisoning. Family sources told SaharaReporters that her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, has been arrested following claims that he poisoned her. Witnesses said she was foaming at the mouth before she died.
Shimite passed away at St. Luke’s Hospital in Asaba after being rushed there for emergency care.
She was a former Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency during Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s term. She also led the Quintessential Group, a collection of NGOs, businesses, and social enterprises focused on agriculture and solid minerals. In 2023, she ran in the PDP primaries for a seat in the Delta State House of Assembly (Oshimili North constituency).
A family member who wished to remain anonymous said Shimite had appeared healthy just a day before.
“I spoke with her for over an hour on Saturday. She was fine and excited about a meeting she had attended. On Sunday, I sent her Easter greetings, but she didn’t respond, which was unusual.”
Worry grew when Shimite’s maid called her brother, saying the husband had locked her in all day. Her brother rushed to the house and found her unresponsive, with foam at her mouth. She was declared dead at the hospital. The police were called and arrested her husband.
Family members accuse Pastor David of isolating Shimite from loved ones and controlling her life.
“He changed all the property documents to his name. He wouldn’t let her go to work or even visit family. We believe he hypnotised her,” a relative said.
“She used to say, ‘My husband is a pastor. He’s my spiritual father. He sees everything.’ It’s tragic she had to learn this way.”
Relatives described Pastor David as “jealous” and “overprotective,” suggesting he was threatened by her success and beauty.
“The man had nothing before he met her. He only wanted to use her. This is heartbreaking.”
Attempts to reach the Delta State Police spokesperson, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful as his phone was unreachable.
Shimite’s body is now in a mortuary, while police continue their investigation.
