Why I Set Ablaze My Step Children – Suspect Recounts

By Ayodele Oni

Ondo State Police Command on Wednesday paraded five suspects, including a 64 year old man, Ojo Joseph, who set ablaze five of his step-children.

Out of the children, one died instantly in that inferno while four were rescued and taken to Ondo general hospital.

The second child died on Saturday morning on the way to the Federal Medical Centre,(FMC), Owo, while the third one died on Tuesday.

The suspect while being paraded said he set the children ablaze because of a quarrel between him and their mother.

Briefing Journalists, Command Public Relations Officer, Funmilayo Omissnya, explained that  “Tayo Akinfolarin Aged seven years was burnt beyond recognition while the other four children were rushed to FMC, Owo. Aanu Akinfolarin Aged 10  died on the way to the Hospital and Tope Akinfolarin Aged 14  died on the 8th of November, 2022, while the two other children are still receiving treatment in the Hospital.

“During interrogation, the suspect, Ojo, claimed his wife was not taking care of him because of the step children and that the wife picked up a quarrel with him because he dropped ₦600,00 as feeding money for the family.

“The husband also said that he became angry, siphoned petrol from his chainsaw (felling machine) and poured it in the children’s room before setting it ablaze.

“The twins born to the suspect by the mother of those children are in safe condition, as they were not in the same room with their step siblings.

The suspect will soon be charged to court.”

Other suspects paraded one Patrick Ejeh arrested for an alleged armed robbery, Adeyeye Deji, Adesuyi Damilola, and   Abiodun Lekan  for cultism.

Police spokesperson said “A Toyota Camry 2012 model, red colour with Chassis number 4TIBFIFK6CU576240, Registration number AKD 972 HR was snatched from the owner at gun point on 3rd September, 2022, at about 2100hrs, at her residence, around FUTA North gate.

“To hrough intelligence gathering, Detectives trailed the robbers down to Abuja where the said vehicle was recovered on 18th October, 2022. One Patrick Ejeh ‘m’ Aged 35 of Dutse Alhaji, Tipper Garage Junction, Abuja, was arrested while other gang members are currently at large. Investigation is in progress.

“On 29th October, 2022, at about 1200hrs, upon information received that some group of Eiye Confraternity were mobilizing to attack some OPC members at Abusoro, Ijoka Road, Akure, on a revenge mission, a team of Detectives from SWAT moved to the scene and arrested the following suspects:  Adeyeye Deji ‘m’ Aged 28, Adesuyi Damilola ‘m’ Aged 26 and Abiodun Lekan ‘m’ Aged 25

“During investigation, two locally made pistols were recovered from their hideout. Investigation is still ongoing and they will soon have their day in court.”