PORT HARCOURT, Nigeria — A chilling crime has left the city of Port Harcourt and the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, UPTH, community in shock.
Boma Amaomu-Jumbo, a former UPTH Director of Administration, was brutally murdered, allegedly by her former gatekeeper, John Danjuma, according to the Rivers State Police Command.
Danjuma, previously arrested, detained, and arraigned by his then-employer Amaomu-Jumbo for theft, had just been released on bail.
He was swiftly re-arrested by operatives of the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, following the gruesome discovery at the victim’s home in the affluent GRA area of Port Harcourt.
“The investigation is ongoing,” said Okon Effiong, Rivers State Commissioner of Police, in a brief statement on Thursday, May 11, 2023.
“We are working diligently to piece together the events that led to this horrendous act, and will keep the public informed as new details come to light.”
The gruesome act of violence came just as Amaomu-Jumbo was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to give testimony in the case against Danjuma.
It is believed that her testimony could have potentially further incriminated the accused.
Amaomu-Jumbo, highly respected in her field, was mourned by the UPTH community. “She was a remarkable woman and a dedicated professional,” a colleague shared, requesting anonymity. “Her loss is deeply felt by all of us.”
The tragic incident underscores the delicate balance of crime and punishment, and the risks associated with bail decisions. Danjuma’s initial arrest and subsequent release on bail are now under scrutiny as investigators probe deeper into the case.
As the city of Port Harcourt comes to terms with this shocking crime, Effiong has promised to brief journalists on the details of the incident, assuring that the Rivers State Police Command will leave no stone unturned in its investigation.
