Edo acid attack: Police begin manhunt for suspected boyfriend

The Edo State Police Command on Wednesday announced it has begun a manhunt for Timothy Gilbert, who allegedly bathed his girlfriend, Angela Ogah, 40, with acid in Edo State.

The Command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident to our correspondent, saying the suspect committed the crime at Ihovbe Quarters in Ikpoba Hill before fleeing.

“The Command has commenced a manhunt for the arrest of the suspect, and I am sure he will be brought to justice,” Yamu said.

He added that there had been issues between the estranged lovers over claims of infidelity. He advised people that it is better to part ways than to stay in an abusive relationship, noting that love is not by force.

The PUNCH had reported that Gilbert fled after committing the crime earlier this month.

The victim’s lawyer, John Izegaegbe, said on Monday that Ogah had been admitted to a private hospital, where she is currently battling for her life.

He also confirmed that a petition had been forwarded to the State Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, calling for urgent action.

Ogah could barely speak when journalists visited her.

Izegaegbe appealed to the relevant authorities to swiftly arrest the fleeing suspect.

He said, “We want the suspect to be arrested. The victim is in severe pain. She could barely talk when journalists visited her.

“Gilbert is currently on the run after bathing Ogah with a substance suspected to be acid. We are urging the authorities to effect his arrest without delay.”

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