SHIMITE: No Autopsy Yet to Confirm She Died as a Result of Hypertension

Shimite

By FIdelis Duker

SHIMITE: WHY THE PUBLIC DESERVES THE TRUTH

It has undoubtedly been a week of grief for Shimite's family and friends. Therefore, it was a rude shock when I woke up on Easter Monday to read about her sudden death on the Facebook page of Pamela Udoka. I had seen headlines about it on various blogs earlier but hadn't taken the time to read more until I came across Pamela's post. I immediately told my wife, who had shared her National Youth Service year in 1999 with Shimite at the Surulere local government in Lagos.

The crux of this post is that another post emerged yesterday, quoting Shimite's husband, David Favor Love, celebrating his exoneration from the murder of his wife. According to this post, she died from complications related to hypertension. As a trained journalist, I understand that there are always two sides to a story; however, the public narrative surrounding this case has been one-sided. Friends of Shimite seem to have hastily concluded that her husband is guilty, despite the absence of an autopsy report or a statement from shimite's family accusing him or anyone. The actions of the friends may be understandabl and Informations they may be privy to. 

This brings me to David's recent social media post, in which he claimed that the autopsy had been concluded and he had been exonerated. I have my doubts about the authenticity of this information, especially coming from a man who considers himself a pastor. Even if the autopsy report had been released, making such a post would be inappropriate and insensitive to the memory of a woman he professes to have loved.

It is also worth noting that the authority to announce the autopsy results lies with the police, not with someone directly implicated in his wife's death. In a press statement from the Delta State police command, it was mentioned that Shimite's husband was taken into protective custody, which I believe was a responsible action by the authorities. This raises the question: Has he truly been released to make these social media posts?

The unfolding tragedy illustrates a longstanding conflict between Shimite’s husband and her family, who have reportedly alleged David have prevented access to her before her passing. So the  family is demanding a thorough investigation into her untimely death, insisting on justice if foul play is confirmed.

I want to believe the police and the coroner will conduct a complete investigation, free from any internal or external pressures. There have been insinuations about potential interference from within the police force regarding the investigation.

I am confident that the autopsy report has not been made public, as the police have stated they will release it when it is ready. Therefore, any claims made by the husband concerning the autopsy should not be taken seriously, as they may simply serve as clickbait.

In conclusion, I urge all parties, especially Shimite's husband and her loved ones, to refrain from escalating tensions while we await the official autopsy report.

Fidelis Duker is a Filmmaker/Media Practitioner and writes from Calabar.