The Osun State Police Command has arrested 39-year-old Oluwatomi Oliyide for brutally assaulting his partner, Odunayo Oliyide, after she asked him to support their two children financially.

The incident happened on Wednesday, July 9, 2025, at their residence in the capital area of Osogbo, Osun State. Oluwatomi reportedly fled after the attack but was arrested nearly a week later on Tuesday, July 15 and is currently in custody at Dada Estate Police Station.

Odunayo, a 32-year-old fashion designer from Oka-Akoko, Ondo State, shared her story with journalists. She revealed that she and Oluwatomi had been in a relationship since 2019 without formal marriage and that she had been the sole provider for their two sons, aged five and three.

“I’ve been doing menial jobs to pay their school fees,” she said. “He spends his money on gambling and refuses to support the children.”

According to her, the latest assault happened after she told him she was tired and planned to take the children to her parents. That night, after returning from church and preparing to leave for a film rehearsal, Oluwatomi accused her of not greeting him properly and launched a violent attack, punching her repeatedly in the eyes.

Odunayo also recounted years of domestic abuse, including being beaten while pregnant with their first child. She later discovered that Oluwatomi had a history of violence, including beating previous wives.

She said efforts to resolve the issue through his family and church leaders had failed. “He keeps saying he won’t support the children until he finishes his building project,” she added.

Human rights activist, Citizen Lola Wey, took Odunayo for medical treatment and confirmed that the case had been reported to the police before Oluwatomi’s arrest.

Confirming the development, police spokesperson SP Abiodun Ojelabi stated, “The suspect is in custody and will be charged to court after investigations are concluded.”

The case has once again raised concerns about domestic violence and the need for stronger protection and support for victims across the country.