The Edo State Police Command has detained a 49-year-old man over the alleged killing of his teenage son and the covert burial of the victim within their family residence.
The arrest was confirmed in a statement issued on Sunday by the command’s spokesperson, ASP Eno Ikoedem, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria in Benin.
The incident reportedly occurred in Uhe community in Igueben Local Government Area. Police said they acted on credible intelligence received on 6 December, which led operatives to the suspect’s home, where the disturbing allegations were subsequently verified.
According to police accounts, the suspect is alleged to have physically assaulted his 15-year-old son with a stick on 5 December at about 7:00 pm. The boy reportedly succumbed to the injuries sustained during the attack.
Investigators said the suspect later buried the body within the family compound without notifying authorities.
Police revealed that vital information provided by the suspect’s elderly mother, who lives in the same household, played a key role in advancing the investigation.
After completing necessary administrative processes, officers exhumed the grave, photographed the scene and recovered the suspected weapon used in the assault as an exhibit.
The suspect is currently being held in custody while investigations continue. The Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika, has directed that the matter be transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department to ensure a comprehensive investigation and prosecution.
The police commissioner warned against violence in all its forms and called on residents to remain alert and report suspicious behaviour, stressing the command’s resolve to safeguard lives and enforce the law.
