A respected Nigerian-born midwife who spent decades caring for mothers and newborns in east London died from natural causes, but the tragedy was quickly overshadowed by the arrest of her grieving husband, a retired professor, on suspicion of murder.
Lydia Owinde, 72, was found dead at the couple’s home in Dagenham on Sunday, prompting a major police response.
Her husband, 75-year-old retired mathematics professor, Owinde, was taken into custody after officers arrived at the property.
The Metro reported that the arrest sparked anger among neighbours and friends who described the couple as pillars of the local community and questioned why the elderly academic was handcuffed while mourning the loss of his wife.
Police later confirmed that Mrs Owinde’s death was not suspicious and resulted from natural causes. The professor was subsequently released without charge after inquiries established there was no criminal involvement.
According to police, the initial arrest was based on the circumstances in which Mrs Owinde’s body was discovered and information available to officers at the scene. However, the decision has drawn criticism from residents who say the couple’s long standing reputation should have warranted a more measured approach.
Neighbours described the pair, who originally came from Nigeria and had lived in Dagenham for decades, as devoted to one another and deeply respected by those around them.
One resident who had known them for many years said the suggestion that the professor could have harmed his wife was unimaginable. Others recalled how the couple were regular churchgoers, active in community life and always willing to support neighbours through difficult times.
Mrs Owinde built a distinguished career as a midwife at Whipps Cross Hospital. Colleagues said she continued working well beyond retirement age and only stepped away from her duties in May after her health deteriorated.
Friends revealed she had become increasingly frail in recent months but remained cheerful and committed to helping others.
Her husband also enjoyed a successful academic career, including teaching mathematics in the United States before retiring. Residents said the couple’s achievements never changed their humble and caring nature.
The case highlights a recurring challenge faced by police forces across England and Wales. Under national policing guidelines, officers investigating an unexpected death must initially treat the scene cautiously until medical evidence rules out foul play. However, neighbours argue that in this case the response caused additional distress to a man who had just lost his wife.
The Metro also confirmed that the professor remains in hospital receiving treatment for reasons that have not been disclosed. Meanwhile, tributes continue to pour in for Mrs Owinde, remembered by friends, former colleagues and neighbours as a compassionate midwife, devoted wife and a woman whose kindness touched countless lives across her community.
