Two officers face gross incompetence meetings over contact with woman prior to her death

The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) investigation followed a mandatory referral from Suffolk Constabulary after Taiwo Abodunde’s death in Newmarket on November 28, 2023.

The investigation looked at the actions and decision making of the officers who came into contact with her and her husband, Olobunmi Abodunde, between November 27 and 28.

It was established that, on November 27, two police constables – one a probationer – responded to a report of a domestic incident at the address. Mr Abodunde was arrested for common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm and taken into custody and released on bail later that evening.

The two officers returned to the address the next day for a pre-arranged meeting with Mrs Abodunde to take a statement but were unable to make contact with her.

While outside her home they heard a disturbance within the address and discussed with their supervisor – an acting police sergeant – whether they had grounds to enter the premises. After 35 minutes, the officers entered the property and discovered Mrs Abodunde dead at the scene.

Mr Abodunde was also inside the house and was arrested on suspicion of her murder. In May 2024, he was jailed for life after admitting murder.

A PC faces allegations that their actions may have amounted to gross incompetence. This relates to the handling of the domestic incident on November 27 and for delaying entry into Mrs Abodunde’s home on November 28, despite having concerns for her wellbeing and suspicions that Mr Abodunde was inside the address.

The officer’s supervisor – an acting sergeant – will also face allegations that their actions may have amounted to gross incompetence for advising the officers not to enter the property, despite being made aware of the officers’ concerns for Mrs Abodunde.

It is also alleged he failed to be diligent in his duties and responsibilities as an acting sergeant regarding his supervision of the case after Mr Abodunde was taken into custody on November 27.

IOPC director Emily Barry said: “Our deepest sympathies remain with the family and friends of Taiwo Abodunde and anyone affected by her tragic and senseless murder.

“As a result of our investigation into the police contact prior to her death, we have decided that two Suffolk officers should face a gross incompetence meeting in relation to their actions between 27-28 November.

“Gross incompetence meetings occur when the evidence indicates that the officer’s failure or inability to perform their duties to the required standard may potentially be so serious that it would justify dismissal.

“It is not our role to decide if the officers’ actions amount to gross incompetence. That will be for a police performance panel to determine after considering all of the evidence.”

The IOPC also decided that the probationary police constable should not face any disciplinary or performance proceedings. They resigned from the force during the investigation.

It added: “All parties have been informed of our decision and the force will now organise the meetings.”