The Ogun State Police Command has arrested Ifagbenga Taiwo, a trainee herbalist, for allegedly killing his 41-day-old son in the Keesi area of Adatan, Abeokuta. Taiwo, who admitted to the crime, claimed he was under a spell and was not in control of his actions.

Details of the Incident

According to FRONTPAGE Metro, the tragic event occurred on Monday, December 11, 2024, when the baby’s mother, Raimat Wasilat, left her child on the bed while washing clothes outside their home. Upon returning, Wasilat found her son’s throat slit and immediately raised the alarm, attracting neighbors and law enforcement to the scene.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident and stated that the child’s mother implicated her husband in the act. Taiwo was subsequently taken into custody for further investigation.

Suspect’s Confession

In an interrogation video obtained by FRONTPAGE on Sunday, Taiwo narrated how he carried out the act, blaming it on a spell that rendered him unconscious of his actions. He described feeling an uncontrollable urge to commit a crime shortly before the incident.

Taiwo explained in Yoruba (translated):

“I didn’t go home on Sunday due to engagements at work. I went home on Monday, took my bath, gave my wife a feeding allowance, and left for my apprenticeship. When I arrived at work, I realized I had forgotten some charms I used for self-protection and decided to return home to pick them up.”

He continued, “After returning to work, I felt uneasy, like something was circulating in my body. I had an intense urge to commit a crime.”

Upon returning home, Taiwo did not find his wife at the spot where she had been washing clothes. He then went inside, retrieved a knife, and slit his son’s throat. He claimed to have lost consciousness during the act.

“When I regained consciousness, I realized my son had been killed. I was shocked and fled through the back door because I didn’t know what to do,” Taiwo recounted.

Denial of Intentional Malice

Addressing speculation that he might have killed his son as a means to divorce his wife, Taiwo said, “I love my wife and did not plan to divorce her. I don’t know how it happened. I had already done it before I realized what I had done. I’m very sorry.”

He also appealed to the government for mercy, expressing regret for his actions.

Police Investigation and Public Reaction

The Ogun State Police Command is continuing its investigation into the incident. The tragic death of the infant has drawn widespread condemnation and sparked conversations about mental health and the influence of traditional practices.

In her statement, Odutola urged families to remain vigilant and prioritize the safety of vulnerable individuals in their households. “This is a deeply troubling case. We encourage families to report any signs of distress or unusual behavior to authorities before such tragedies occur,” she said.

Broader Implications

This incident highlights the need for a broader conversation about the intersection of traditional beliefs, mental health, and violence in communities. Experts have called for increased awareness and education on recognizing and addressing psychological distress to prevent similar tragedies.

The community continues to mourn the loss of the innocent child while awaiting justice and further clarity on the circumstances surrounding the crime.