>
Akinwande Soji-Ojo
A Nigerian man, Michael Chidozie, has died of spinal cord injury complications after his wife shot him four times during an argument at their residence in Houston, Texas, United States.
Chidozie’s wife, Keaiirra Shavoiyae, shot him in the middle of an argument on March 21, 2024.
The 28-year-old Shavoiyae shot 26-year-old Chidozie in front of their two children.
Chidozie, who was a body builder, was rushed to Ben Taub Hospital after police found him with gunshot wounds and his wife in a panic holding their two kids, aged three and two.
According to Daily Mail, Chidozie was on life support in the hospital for 18 days, before he eventually died of spinal cord injury complications.
Consequently, Shavoiyae has been charged with aggravated assault, but it has not been upgraded to murder since his death.
She claimed to have shot Chidozie in self-defence as she feared for her life during the argument when he followed her into their bedroom.
The argument started elsewhere in the house before she went into the bedroom, where she picked up a pistol and shot him, the police said.
However, the report did not reveal whether the Nigerian national had physically assaulted his wife for her to resort to shooting him in self-defence.
Chidozie was shot once in the arm, once in the chest, and twice in his torso and left to die on the bedroom floor.
Shavoiyae and the children were found in a nearby parking lot after witnesses called police to say she was frantically running around asking for help.
Friends said they had never seen the couple act in a violent manner towards each other, and were shocked that an argument escalated into fatality.
Chidozie’s family, who prayed for him when he was in the hospital, are now trying to raise $70,000 to bring his body back to Nigeria for burial, as it was his dream to one day return to the country.
“His passing has left a profound void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. He was a devoted father, a cherished son, and a dear friend to many.
“Chidozie’s kind heart, infectious laughter, and unwavering love for his family will forever be remembered and cherished by all who were fortunate enough to know him,” the family said in a statement.
Shavoiyae was released on bail and she is set to appear in court on May 23. Their two children are now being cared for by another family.
