- Suicidal feelings, as noted by experts, can affect people of any age, gender, or background at any time
- Gbolahan Oyedemi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police with the Force Criminal and Investigation Department in Alagbon, Lagos, allegedly committed suicide
- TheRadar compiled the list of other people who had left a lasting void for those left behind
Losing a loved one to suicide is a devastating experience that leaves families grappling with immense grief and unanswered questions.
Suicidal feelings, as noted by experts, can affect people of any age, gender, or background at any time.
According to the World Health Organisation, suicide accounts for more than 700,000 deaths each year.
Hopelessness, worthlessness, and frustration can escalate into depression, prompting a need for parents, families, friends, and communities to keep a close eye on and support those around them.
Experts have noted that the rampant frustration in the nation is impacting people's mental well-being. The combination of joblessness, poverty, hunger, insecurity, and neglectful leadership is pushing many Nigerians towards depression, which could result in contemplating suicide.
People who committed suicide
Here are some of the people who committed suicide, leaving a lasting void for those left behind:
1. Gbolahan Oyedemi, Deputy Commissioner of Police
On Monday, April 1 2024, Gbolahan Oyedemi, a Deputy Commissioner of Police with the Force Criminal and Investigation Department in Alagbon, Lagos State, allegedly committed suicide at his home in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Oyedemi held the position of Aide de Camp to the late former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala during his brief tenure as de facto governor in 2006.
2. Nick Imudia, former CEO of Konga
Relatedly, Nick Imudia, the former CEO of Konga, Nigeria’s prominent e-commerce company, and CEO of D.light, a prominent company in residential solar energy and household products, reportedly took his own life at his residence.
Before joining Konga, Nick Imudia held positions as regional director at TCL/Alcatel and GM/MD for West and Central Africa at Microsoft Device and Services.
According to reports, Nick Imudia, committed suicide on the night of Tuesday, June 25, by jumping from his Lekki, Lagos apartment balcony.
3. Laolu Martins, owners of Bukka Hut
According to reports, Laolu Martins, co-founder and Executive Director of Bhukka Hospitality Limited, the parent company of Bukka Hut, committed suicide in Lekki, Lagos, on September 28, 2022.
Martins, a banker with more than 21 years of experience, began his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in 1999.
He joined Investment Banking & Trust Company Plc, now known as Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc, and later resigned in 2005 to join Shell Nig. CPFA Ltd as Head of Investments. He held this position until 2008, after which he joined Nigeria International Security Limited (NISL), an independent firm specializing in Nigerian investment services.
Confirming his death, the family said, “We seek the understanding and support of everyone as we cope with the loss of our beloved Laolu and request privacy while we grieve.”
4. Folake Abiola, Telecoms Accountant
A Lagos accountant, Folake Abiola, committed suicide on May 27 at her residence in Osapa London, Lekki, Lagos State. She allegedly consumed insecticide and passed away soon after, with her family, friends, and police discovering her motionless.
An unnamed colleague of Abiola dealt with depression for several years and remarked that the news of her death was shocking.
5. Amarachi Ugochukwu, Bank Marketer
Amarachi Ugochukwu, who worked in marketing at a bank in Ikorodu, Lagos, reportedly ended her life due to economic hardship on 8 January 2024.
It was said that the lady consumed a harmful substance within the bank premises.
She left a note to apologise to her parents and also noted “economic hardship of the country”, as a pushing cause of her action.
The note read, “Nothing is working in my life. My figures are low. My brain is clogged up. The economy is getting harder.
“My decisions are wrong. My mind is messed up. The future doesn’t seem bright at all. I see extreme hardship. I can’t bear the pain anymore.
“I am sorry mum, I am sorry dad, I am sorry Nene, Okwe, Toto, Nazor, Chuchu, Ifunanya. Dear Lord, have mercy on me!.”
Poor sleep, appetite loss, irritability are signs you may have mental issues, psychologist explains
Men face many triggers which could affect their mental health daily but are often neglected.
TheRadar shared an interview conducted with an experienced clinical psychologist, Iyinoluwa Tikare, on men’s mental health issues.