Spanish Woman Killed by Estranged Nigerian Husband After Denied Restraining Order

A 48-year-old Spanish woman, identified as Catalina, was killed by her estranged Nigerian husband, Augustine, in Benalmádena, Costa del Sol. Reports indicate that she had previously requested a restraining order, but the court denied it, citing a “medium risk” classification.

The incident occurred on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Augustine, 42, allegedly killed Catalina before setting their family home on fire with her body inside. Authorities were first alerted when Augustine himself called emergency services at 5:25 a.m., reporting a fire at a house on Calle Álamos 27. However, he did not disclose that it was his former partner’s residence or that he was responsible for the fire.

Local police arrived at the scene and rescued the couple’s three children. It was then that one of the children informed officers that their mother was still inside and that their father had killed her. When the fire was extinguished, Catalina’s body was discovered in the two-story home. Early reports suggest signs of a knife assault, though autopsy results are still pending.

Catalina had previously reported Augustine to authorities on January 20 for raising his hand and threatening her. Although she stated he had hit her in the past, he did not attack her on that particular occasion. She was subsequently registered in the VioGen system, which assesses domestic violence risks. However, police determined that there was no “objective situation of risk,” and her case was classified as medium risk. Monitoring was limited to phone check-ins, and her restraining order request was denied due to contradictions in her statement.

Locals in Benalmádena revealed that Catalina had recently separated from Augustine and that he had been seen with another partner. Meanwhile, her social media status described her relationship as “complicated.” Catalina had four children—her 19-year-old son from a previous marriage and three younger children, aged 11, 9, and 7, from her relationship with Augustine. All three minors were inside the house when the crime occurred, and the eldest reportedly attempted to intervene but was assaulted by his father.

The killing marks the first gender-based murder in Andalucía and the second in Spain in 2025. Loles López, regional minister for social inclusion, youth, families, and equality, condemned the incident, noting that Catalina had not been part of the Municipal Women’s Information Centre (CMIM). She confirmed that resources had been activated to ensure the children’s care.

Authorities continue to investigate the case, with the autopsy expected to confirm the cause of death.