Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested Semiu Adegesin, a 45-year-old man, in connection with the death of a three-year-old girl named Esther Samuel.
The suspect was apprehended for negligence that resulted in the child’s demise. Adegesin, who possessed a loaded dane gun, had left it unattended in an open space in his backyard, where children played.
A 13-year-old boy identified as Babalola reportedly picked up the gun, aimed it at the girl, and pulled the trigger, resulting in her death.
According to DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, the state Police Public Relations Officer, the suspect was arrested following a report made at the Imasayi police divisional headquarters detailing the incident that occurred at Kukudi village in Imasayi.
Oyeyemi said, “Upon arriving at the scene of the incident, the deceased was discovered in a pool of blood.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Semiu Adegesin, the owner of the dane gun, loaded his gun and carelessly left it in an open place in the backyard of the house where children used to play.
“It was at this point that the 13-year-old Babalola picked up the loaded gun, pointed it at the deceased, and pulled the trigger.
“The deceased was quickly taken to the General Hospital, Ilaro, but was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty.
“The owner of the dane gun was promptly arrested and taken to the station for interrogation.”
Expressing his sympathy to the family of the deceased, the Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, described the incident as unfortunate. He also urged the public to remain calm while assuring them that the case would be thoroughly investigated.
“The death of young Esther Samuel is an unfortunate incident, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies to her family.
“The Ogun State Police Command will ensure that justice is served in this case and the perpetrator brought to book.
“We urge members of the public to remain calm as we conduct a thorough and discreet investigation,” He said.
