The Ondo State Police Command has arrested a 34-year-old man, Monday Elela, for allegedly killing his 14-year-old son, Tope, and burying him in a shallow grave at their home in Ajowa-Akoko, Akoko North West Local Government Area.
Elela, a bricklayer and farmer, reportedly conspired with his wife, who is currently on the run, to conceal the death of their son.
The incident, which has sent shockwaves through the community, is believed to have stemmed from Elela’s alleged attempt to discipline the boy for repeated acts of theft.
While being paraded by the police at the state headquarters in Akure, Elela admitted to beating his son but denied killing him.
According to him, Tope had a history of causing embarrassment to the family through theft and other misconducts.
“Tope has always been a problem for us. He was notorious for breaking into people’s houses and stealing. He had been arrested several times by the police and the Amotekun Corps, but he refused to change his ways,” Elela said.
The suspect recounted an incident where Tope escaped from the custody of the Amotekun Corps, claiming the boy sustained injuries during his escape.
“He broke the iron bars of their cell and jumped the fence to flee. When he returned home, we only spanked him with our hands for his actions,” he added.
Elela stated that after the punishment, Tope ate his meal, took a bath, and went to bed.
However, the next morning, he was found unresponsive. “We asked his younger brother to wake him so we could go to the farm, but he didn’t respond. When we checked, we realized he was already dead,” Elela explained.
In a bid to avoid suspicion, Elela and his wife reportedly buried Tope in a shallow grave behind their house. “We were afraid and didn’t know what to do,” Elela confessed.
The police have since launched a full investigation into the case, with efforts underway to apprehend Elela’s wife.
The Ondo State Police Command has assured the public that justice will be served, describing the incident as a tragic and avoidable loss of life.
Elela remains in custody and is expected to face charges upon the conclusion of the investigation.
