In a shocking incident that has left the Keesi area of Adatan, Abeokuta in Ogun State reeling, a trainee herbalist, Ifagbenga Taiwo, has been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command for allegedly slaughtering his 41-day-old son. Taiwo claims he acted under the influence of a mysterious spell, insisting he was not conscious of his actions until after the act.
The tragic event occurred on Monday when the baby’s mother, Raimat Wasilat, left her infant son on a bed to wash clothes outside their home. Upon returning, she discovered her son with his throat slit and raised an alarm that drew neighbors and law enforcement to the scene.
Father Confesses to the Heinous Crime
During police interrogation, Taiwo confessed to using a knife to slit his infant son’s throat but blamed his actions on forces beyond his control. Speaking in a video obtained by Hobnob News, Taiwo narrated the sequence of events, claiming he was under a spell and unaware of what he was doing until the crime had been committed.
Explaining the events leading up to the tragedy, Taiwo said, “I gave my wife a feeding allowance and went to work as usual. Shortly after, I realized I had forgotten my protective charms at home, so I returned to pick them up. While at work, I suddenly felt an unexplainable breeze and a restless feeling that I should commit a crime.”
A Grisly Act of Violence
Taiwo detailed how he returned home, picked up a knife from his mother’s room, and killed his son. He recounted: “When I got home, I didn’t find my wife outside where she had been washing clothes. I went inside, and the urge to commit a crime overwhelmed me. I took a knife we had purchased from the Kuto market, went to where my son was lying, and slit his throat.
“Afterward, I regained consciousness and realized what I had done. I fled through the back door, confused and scared about what had just happened.”
Denies Premeditation
When questioned about motives, including a possible attempt to separate from his wife, Taiwo denied having any such intentions. He claimed to love his wife and insisted the incident was unplanned. “I love my wife and had no reason to divorce her. I don’t understand what came over me. It happened before I could process my actions.”
Expressing remorse, Taiwo pleaded with the government for mercy, saying, “I am deeply sorry for what I did. I fled because I didn’t know how to handle the situation. I appeal to the authorities to forgive me.”
Police Investigation Underway
The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed Taiwo’s arrest, stating that the investigation is ongoing. According to Odutola, the suspect’s wife had implicated him in their son’s death, leading to his detention.
Authorities are also working to determine whether Taiwo’s claims of acting under a spell have any basis or are an attempt to evade responsibility for the heinous crime.
Community in Shock
The horrific incident has left the local community in shock, with residents struggling to come to terms with the tragedy. Discussions have surfaced about the role of mental health, cultural beliefs, and spiritual practices in such cases.
As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits justice for the 41-day-old victim, whose life was tragically cut short.
