Two officers from Suffolk Constabulary are set to face gross incompetence hearings following an investigation into their handling of events leading up to the tragic death of Taiwo Abodunde in Newmarket on 28 November 2023.
The Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) launched the investigation after Suffolk Constabulary made a mandatory referral following Mrs. Abodunde’s death. The inquiry focused on the actions and decisions made by officers who interacted with Mrs. Abodunde and her husband, Olobunmi Abodunde, in the two days preceding her murder.
Timeline of Events:
- 27 November 2023:
Two police constables — one of whom was a probationary officer — responded to reports of a domestic incident at the couple’s residence.- Mr. Abodunde was arrested on suspicion of common assault and assault causing actual bodily harm.
- He was taken into police custody but was released on bail later that evening.
- 28 November 2023:
The two officers returned to the address for a pre-arranged meeting to take a statement from Mrs. Abodunde.- No contact was made with Mrs. Abodunde upon arrival.
- While outside, the officers reportedly heard a disturbance inside the house and consulted their supervisor, an acting police sergeant, about whether they had grounds to enter.
- It took 35 minutes before they decided to enter the property, where they tragically discovered Mrs. Abodunde deceased.
Mr. Abodunde was found inside the home and was immediately arrested on suspicion of murder. In May 2024, he was sentenced to life in prison after admitting to the murder.
Investigation Findings & Allegations
The IOPC determined that two Suffolk Constabulary officers — a police constable (PC) and an acting police sergeant — should face gross incompetence hearings over their handling of the case.
Allegations Against the Police Constable:
- The PC is accused of gross incompetence for:
- Failing to properly handle the domestic incident on 27 November.
- Delaying entry into the house on 28 November, despite clear concerns for Mrs. Abodunde’s safety and indications that Mr. Abodunde was inside.
Allegations Against the Acting Sergeant:
- The acting sergeant faces allegations of:
- Gross incompetence for advising the officers not to enter the property, despite being fully informed of the concerns for Mrs. Abodunde.
- Failing in his supervisory duties after Mr. Abodunde’s initial arrest and release, potentially compromising Mrs. Abodunde’s safety.
Probationary Officer Not Facing Disciplinary Action:
- The probationary constable involved in the incident will not face disciplinary or performance proceedings, as the IOPC concluded they were not at fault.
- This officer has since resigned from the force during the course of the investigation.
IOPC Statement
Emily Barry, IOPC Director, expressed condolences to Mrs. Abodunde’s family and emphasized the gravity of the investigation’s findings:
“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, we have determined that two Suffolk officers should face gross incompetence hearings for their actions leading up to her death.”
Barry clarified that while the IOPC has initiated the process, it is not responsible for determining guilt:
“It is not our role to decide if the officers’ actions amount to gross incompetence. That responsibility lies with a police performance panel, which will review the evidence and make that determination.”
What Is a Gross Incompetence Hearing?
A gross incompetence hearing is held when an officer’s failure to perform their duties is deemed so serious that it may warrant dismissal from the force. The panel — typically consisting of senior police officials — will review evidence and testimonies before reaching a verdict.
Next Steps
- Suffolk Constabulary has been informed of the IOPC’s findings and will organise the hearings.
- Mrs. Abodunde’s family has been made aware of the outcomes of the investigation.
The case has reignited discussions around police responses to domestic violence incidents and whether officers are receiving adequate training to handle high-risk domestic abuse cases.
The IOPC’s decision aims to bring accountability while underscoring the importance of safeguarding vulnerable individuals in domestic situations.
