The Edo State Police Command has taken into custody Theophilus Osazuwa, a man accused of murdering his four-year-old son.
Authorities suspect that Osazuwa was under the influence of hard drugs when the tragic incident occurred.
In a statement released on Wednesday night, police spokesperson Moses Yamu disclosed that the events leading to the child’s death unfolded around 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday. Osazuwa had just returned to his residence at Ogbeson Quarters, off Benin-Agbor Road in Benin City, when he inexplicably fell into a trance.
During this episode, Osazuwa reportedly shouted, “Holy Ghost fire,” before violently seizing his son and slamming him against the wall, resulting in the child’s death.
Yamu stated, “The Edo Police Command has apprehended Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters, Benin City, for the murder of his four-year-old son, Testimony Osazuwa. After arriving home on December 24, 2024, at approximately 12:30 p.m., he went into a frenzy, screaming ‘Holy Ghost fire,’ before attacking his son. Despite being rushed to the hospital, the child was pronounced dead on arrival.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that Osazuwa, known for his use of illicit substances such as ‘ice,’ likely acted under the influence.”
He also conveyed a warning from the state’s Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, who advised young people about the dangers of using illicit drugs and their damaging effects on health, life, and community safety.
