The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a man, Elela Monday, for allegedly killing his 14-year-old son, Tope Elela, in Ajowa Akoko, Akoko North-West Local Government Area. The suspect reportedly buried the boy in a shallow grave behind his house under a banana tree.
Father’s Admission of Guilt
The Commissioner of Police in Ondo State, Mr. Wilfred Afolabi, confirmed the arrest in a statement issued on Sunday. According to Afolabi, the police acted on an anonymous tip-off that led to the discovery of the shallow grave.
He stated, “On December 30, the police received an anonymous call that one Elela Monday, living in Ajowa Akoko, killed his 14-year-old son named Tope Elela and buried him in a shallow grave under a banana tree behind his house.”
During police interrogation, the suspect admitted to the crime, claiming that his son’s repeated involvement in criminal activities embarrassed him. He confessed that he and his wife decided to end the boy’s life to avoid further disgrace.
“The suspect said the boy was always involved in criminal activities and was embarrassing him, so to put a stop to the disgrace, he and his wife decided to kill the boy,” the Commissioner added.
Cult Clash in Owo: Over 25 Arrested
In a separate case, the Ondo State Police Command has intensified efforts to address a recent cult clash in Owo town that resulted in the death of four individuals. According to CP Afolabi, 25 people have been arrested in connection with the violent incident.
Among the arrested suspects is Olamide Ogunseyila, a 28-year-old who confessed to being a member of a cult group. Afolabi disclosed that some of the suspects were identified as having direct involvement in the criminal activities.
“The remaining suspects are currently undergoing thorough interrogation to ascertain their roles in the crisis while the command is intensifying efforts to apprehend one Steven Dada, alias ‘Ogodo,’ and any other individuals connected to these criminal activities,” Afolabi said.
Police Commitment to Security
The Commissioner reiterated the commitment of the Ondo State Police Command to ensuring the safety of lives and property across the state. He urged residents to remain vigilant and promptly report any suspicious activities to the police or other security agencies.
“Our goal is to create a safe and secure environment for all residents of Ondo State. We appeal to the public to assist the police by providing timely and accurate information about criminal elements in their communities,” he said.
Ongoing Investigations
The police have commenced a detailed investigation into both cases. While Elela Monday faces charges of murder, the cult-related violence in Owo town continues to be a focal point of the command’s operations, with efforts underway to apprehend more suspects and prevent future clashes.
The tragic case of Tope Elela has sent shockwaves through the Ajowa Akoko community, as residents grapple with the implications of a father taking such drastic action against his child. Similarly, the cult-related violence in Owo underscores the need for intensified efforts to curb criminal activities and protect citizens from harm.
Both incidents highlight the importance of community vigilance and collaboration with law enforcement in addressing crime and ensuring justice is served.
