Police face misconduct action after woman's murder

Two police officers face gross incompetence meetings after an investigation found they had contact with a woman prior to her murder.

Taiwo Abodunde, 41, suffered "catastrophic brain injuries" during an attack in Newmarket, Suffolk, before she died in November 2023.

Olobunmi Abodunde, 48, admitted killing her with a skateboard and was jailed for life in May last year.

An investigation by the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) raised concerns over actions taken by officers around the time of Mrs Abodunde's death.

On the day prior to Mrs Abodunde's death, two police constables - one a probationer - responded to a report of a domestic incident at the couple's address.

Mr Abodunde was arrested for common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm and taken into custody before he was released on bail later that evening.

The two constables returned the next day for a pre-arranged meeting with Mrs Abodunde to take a statement, but were unable to contact her.

While outside the home they heard a disturbance within and discussed with their supervisor - an acting police sergeant - whether they had grounds to enter.

After 35 minutes they entered and found Mrs Abodunde dead.

According to the IOPC, one of the police constables faces allegations that their conduct may have amounted to gross incompetence relating to their actions the day prior to Mrs Abodunde's death, as well as for delaying entry into her home the day she died despite wellbeing concerns.

The probationary police constable should not face any disciplinary or performance proceedings after they resigned from the force during the IOPC's investigation, it said.

The acting sergeant will also face allegations that their actions may have amounted to gross incompetence for advising the officers not to enter the property, despite being made aware of their concerns.

It was also alleged they failed to be diligent in their duties and responsibility as an acting sergeant regarding their supervision of the case after Mr Abodunde was taken into custody the night before he murdered his wife.

Suffolk Police will now decide if the officers' actions amount to gross incompetence.

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