The sudden death of Delta State Governor’s Special Adviser on Trade and Export, Shimite Bello, popularly known as “Madam Sabificate,” has plunged the state into shock and controversy, as serious suspicions of foul play continue to surface.
Shimite reportedly died under mysterious circumstances on Easter Sunday, with multiple sources alleging that she was poisoned. According to a report in SaharaReporters, her husband, Pastor David Favour Love, has been arrested by the police following eyewitness accounts and family allegations that point to possible domestic violence and manipulation. Witnesses claimed that before her death, Shimite was foaming at the mouth—an indication that has raised even more questions surrounding her final moments.
She was rushed to St. Luke’s Hospital in Asaba but was tragically declared dead on arrival. Her sudden demise has left many in disbelief, especially those who knew her as a vibrant and visionary woman dedicated to empowering micro and small-scale businesses across Delta State.
Before her appointment under the current administration, Shimite served as the Executive Secretary of the Delta State Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency during former Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s tenure. A serial entrepreneur and philanthropist, she was also the Group President and CEO of the Quintessential Group—an umbrella organization overseeing multiple NGOs and business ventures in agriculture and solid minerals. She also contested for the Oshimili North constituency seat during the 2023 PDP primaries.
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A family member, speaking anonymously recounted speaking with Shimite for over an hour the day before her death. “She sounded full of life, told me about a meeting she had attended, and seemed perfectly fine,” the relative said. “I sent her an Easter message the next morning, but she didn’t reply. That was unusual.”
The situation reportedly took a grim turn when Shimite’s maid, sensing something was wrong, contacted her elder brother and revealed that Pastor David had locked Shimite inside their home all day. When the brother arrived, he found her in a dire condition, with foam already forming at her mouth. Despite rushing her to the hospital, she was confirmed dead. Police arrived shortly after and arrested the husband.
Disturbing claims have since emerged from the family, accusing Pastor David of isolating Shimite from friends and family, changing the names on her properties to his, and exerting an unusual level of control over her daily life. Some relatives even believe she may have been hypnotized or spiritually manipulated into giving up her independence.
“Ever since he came into her life, she cut everyone off. She stopped going to the office, she wouldn’t meet up with people, and he made sure her properties were in his name. This was no love story—this was control,” one family source lamented. “Even when you tried to talk to her, she would defend him, saying, ‘He’s a pastor, my spiritual father.’ It’s terrifying how easily she was consumed by his influence.”
Sources close to the couple describe Pastor David as overly possessive and allegedly jealous of Shimite’s success, influence, and beauty. “He had nothing before he met her,” said one friend of the family. “He only came to drain her.”
As news of her death spreads, social media has erupted with grief and anger, with many Nigerians demanding justice and a full investigation. Public sympathy has poured in from across the country as citizens question how a woman of such caliber and public standing could die so suddenly under such suspicious circumstances.
The Delta State Police is yet to make any official statement at the time of filing this report. Meanwhile, Shimite’s remains have been deposited at the mortuary as investigations continue.
