Police Nab Fleeing Father who Allegedly killed Neighbour for Hugging his Son

The Ogun State Police Command says it has arrested a 43-year-old man, identified as Edebiri Temitope, in connection with the death of a 38-year-old university graduate, Oje Michael Eje, in Mowe, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The deceased, who was said to have a degree in Guidance and Counselling, reportedly died after he was allegedly beaten with a bamboo stick by his neighbour following an argument over his interaction with the neighbour’s three-year-old child.

According to Peter Adum, a younger cousin to the deceased, Micheal had just returned from work and the child who lived with them on the same street, ran towards him and hugged him.

He stated that Michael hugged the boy and threw him playfully in the air and caught him, before going into his room to sleep.

Adum said, “While he was sleeping, Adebiri, the father of the boy, came outside and knocked on his door.

“When Mike came out, the man accused him of playing roughly with his child. Mike explained that he had only hugged the boy and lifted him into the air.

“That was how the man then started slapping Mike. He picked up a bamboo stick from the ground and hit him about three times. Mike fell and died on the spot.”

Confirming the incident, the police said the deceased was accused of hugging and playing with the child when the suspect allegedly became infuriated, describing the manner of play as “rough.”

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Seyi Babaseyi, said the suspect allegedly picked up a bamboo stick and repeatedly struck Michael until he collapsed and died.

The police spokesman initially said the suspect had gone into hiding with his family following the incident.

However, in a subsequent update, Babaseyi disclosed that Temitope, who had earlier been reported to be at large, had been arrested in connection with the death.

“Edebiri Temitope, ‘M’, aged 43 years, who was earlier reported to be at large, has been arrested in connection with the death of Oje Michael Eje, ‘M’,” the PPRO said.

He added that the suspect had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are still being investigated by the police, adding that the suspect will now face further questioning as investigators work to establish the circumstances that led to Eje’s death