- The suspect, believed to have been under the influence of hard drugs, reportedly acted in a trance-like state
The Edo State Police Command has detained a man, Theophilus Osazuwa, over the alleged killing of his four-year-old son in Benin City.
According to police spokesperson Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 12:30 pm at Ogbeson Quarters, off Benin-Agbor Road. The suspect, believed to have been under the influence of hard drugs, reportedly acted in a trance-like state.
While in this state, Osazuwa allegedly screamed, “Holy Ghost fire,” before grabbing the child and slamming him against a wall. The boy, identified as Testimony Osazuwa, was rushed to a hospital but was pronounced dead on arrival.
In a statement, Yamu said: “Edo Police Command has arrested one Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters off Benin-Agbor Road, Benin City, for the murder of his four-year-old son named Testimony Osazuwa. Preliminary investigation revealed that the young man, known for consuming illicit substances, must have acted under their influence.”
The state’s Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, condemned the incident, urging young people to steer clear of drugs due to their devastating impact on individuals and communities.
The police have launched an investigation into the incident, while Osazuwa remains in custody.