Mrs. Shimite Bello Love (née Nwakalo), Special Adviser to the Delta State Governor on Trade and Export, has died under circumstances that have sparked serious allegations of murder. The prominent public figure, popularly known as “Madam Sabificate,” reportedly died on Easter Sunday after suspected poisoning, with her husband now in police custody.
Family sources revealed to SaharaReporters that Pastor David Favour Love, Shimite’s husband, was arrested following suspicions that he had poisoned his wife. Eyewitnesses reported seeing Shimite foaming at the mouth before she was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in Asaba, where she was pronounced dead on arrival.
Just one day before her death, Shimite had been in good health and spirits. A family member who spoke on condition of anonymity said, “I spoke with her for over an hour on Saturday. She was vibrant and told me about a meeting she had earlier attended. Nothing was wrong with her.”
The source added that concerns were raised when Shimite’s maid contacted her elder brother, who was alarmed that Pastor David had kept his wife locked inside their home throughout Easter Sunday. When the brother arrived, he discovered Shimite in critical condition, foaming at the mouth, and immediately transported her to the hospital, but medical intervention came too late.
Prior to her appointment as Special Adviser, Shimite had contested the Oshimili North constituency seat in the Delta State House of Assembly during the 2023 PDP primaries. Her professional background included serving as the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency during former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s administration. She was also the Group President/CEO of the Quintessential Group, a diversified conglomerate with interests in agriculture and solid minerals.
Family members have painted a disturbing picture of Shimite’s relationship with her husband, alleging that Pastor David systematically isolated her from loved ones and exerted unusual control over her movements and assets. “Since he came into her life, he cut everyone off. Her brother couldn’t even visit. He wouldn’t let her go to the office. He was always trailing her,” said one family source.
The source further claimed that Pastor David had manipulated Shimite into transferring ownership of her properties to his name, describing a relationship characterised by control and isolation. “Even the name on all her properties in Abuja and elsewhere was changed to his name. We believe she was manipulated—hypnotised even.”
Those close to the family described Pastor David as “overprotective” and “jealous,” suggesting he was intimidated by his wife’s professional success and social standing. “The man had nothing before meeting her. He only came to drain her,” the source claimed.
While police investigations continue, attempts to reach the Delta State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bright Edafe, were unsuccessful. Shimite’s body has been deposited at the mortuary pending further examination.
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