By Ayomide Otitoju
The sudden death of Mrs. Shimite Bello Love (née Nwakalo), Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has sparked controversy and raised serious questions, as her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, has been arrested over allegations of foul play.
According to family sources, the late adviser was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in Asaba on Saturday, where she was declared dead on arrival. Witnesses claimed she had been foaming at the mouth before being taken to the hospital, prompting suspicions of poisoning.
Police have since taken Pastor Love into custody for questioning as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding the death.
A vibrant and well-known figure in the state’s development space, Mrs. Bello previously served as Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency under former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa. She was also the Group President and CEO of the Quintessential Group, a conglomerate of NGOs, social enterprises, and businesses in agriculture and solid minerals. In 2023, she contested for the Oshimili North seat in the Delta State House of Assembly under the PDP.
Family members, who have requested anonymity, revealed that Shimite was in good health just a day before her passing. “I spoke to her for over an hour on Saturday. She sounded energetic and talked about a meeting she had attended earlier. There was nothing wrong with her,” a relative said.
Trouble reportedly began when her maid contacted Shimite’s elder brother, concerned that Pastor Love had locked her inside the house all day. Upon arrival, her brother found Shimite unconscious, with foam in her mouth. She was immediately taken to the hospital, where doctors pronounced her dead.
Relatives have accused Pastor Love of isolating his wife from family and friends, claiming he exerted total control over her movements and finances. “Since he came into her life, he distanced her from everyone. He followed her everywhere, changed the ownership of her properties to his name, and wouldn’t let her go to the office,” a family source alleged.
“She kept saying, ‘My husband is a pastor. He sees everything.’ It’s painful she had to learn the hard way,” another relative added.
Close friends and family described Pastor Love as “overprotective” and “jealous,” claiming he was intimidated by Shimite’s success and influence.
Efforts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, for an official statement proved unsuccessful, as his phone remained unreachable at the time of this report.
Shimite’s remains have been deposited at a mortuary in Asaba, as investigations into the incident intensify. Her death has shocked many in the political and development sectors, with tributes pouring in from across the country.
The Delta State Government has yet to release an official statement.
