In a distressing development, the Edo State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of a 16-year-old girl, Aisha Suleiman, accused of causing the tragic deaths of her ex-boyfriend and four others in Afashio community, Edo State.
The incident, which has sparked public outcry and discussions on social media, reveals the grim details of the deaths and the immediate actions taken by law enforcement to prevent an escalation of community anger.
A video that began circulating on social media this
week shows the aftermath of a chilling event in Afashio.
On October 26, 2024, a young man named Emmanuel Elogie, aged 19, was discovered lifeless in his apartment along with four other individuals who had reportedly consumed poisoned food.
The Edo State police quickly responded to the incident, rescuing the accused girl from potential mob violence.
Edo State police spokesperson, Moses Joel Yamu, issued a statement revealing details of the incident and the police's response.
According to Yamu, the police received a distress call on October 29 indicating that local youths were gathering to mete out jungle justice on the accused girl.
Quick action by the Jattu Division police operatives prevented a possible lynching as they rescued Aisha Suleiman and took her into custody.
The case has since been handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough investigation.
The statement from the police recounts how the sequence of events came to light. At around 6:30 a.m. on October 26, Mr. Elogie Ezekiel, the father of Emmanuel Elogie, visited his son’s residence.
Upon entry, he made the devastating discovery of several lifeless bodies. In the corridor, he found the body of Nurudeen, a friend of Emmanuel whose surname remains unknown.
As he continued into the apartment, he found his son Emmanuel along with his girlfriend, Ada Samuel, aged 16, lying lifeless on a bed in the bedroom.
In the sitting room, Mr. Ezekiel found the bodies of two other young men, Samuel Ayegwalo and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, siblings who were close friends of Emmanuel.
The tragic loss of five lives from a single incident has left the Afashio community in shock and raised pressing questions about what led to the mass poisoning.
The bodies of the victims were transported to a nearby hospital, where doctors confirmed that all five individuals had passed away.
Following the disturbing discovery, police officers from the Jattu Division received information on October 29 that Aisha Suleiman, suspected of poisoning the deceased individuals, was on the verge of being attacked by angry community members.
In an attempt to maintain law and order, the police intervened and brought Aisha to the police station.
Subsequently, the case was escalated to the State Criminal Investigation Department to enable a more extensive and discrete probe into the cause of the deaths and the events leading up to the tragic incident.
The Edo State Police Command has assured the public that all efforts will be made to uncover the truth.
Commissioner of Police CP Umoru Peter Ozigi has directed that a comprehensive investigation be conducted, with a firm warning against any form of jungle justice.
He has also emphasized that the department will leave "no stone unturned" to bring clarity and justice to the situation.
The immediate reaction of some Afashio residents, who attempted to take matters into their own hands, highlights the ongoing issue of jungle justice within certain Nigerian communities.
Jungle justice, a practice where individuals attempt to deliver justice without legal processes, remains a significant challenge for law enforcement in Nigeria.
CP Ozigi’s statement underlines the police force’s commitment to discouraging mob actions and ensuring that justice is pursued through lawful means.
This approach seeks to protect suspects from potential harm and underscores the principle that everyone is entitled to a fair investigation and trial.
The police have appealed to the public for calm and patience as the investigation unfolds.
With the case now under the scrutiny of the SCID, detectives will work diligently to piece together the events that led to the tragic deaths of five young individuals.
There is an expectation from both the community and the broader public that the investigation will be thorough and transparent.
The Commissioner of Police has promised that anyone found culpable will face the law, and justice will be served in accordance with due process.
This heartbreaking incident has raised serious concerns about community safety, the influence of social media on public reactions, and the dangers of jungle justice.
For Afashio community and the families affected, the events of October 26 are a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of addressing grievances through established legal channels.
The Edo State Police Command’s swift intervention in this case reflects their commitment to maintaining public order and ensuring that justice is achieved fairly.
The outcome of this investigation may hold answers for the grieving families, and, hopefully, bring a sense of closure to a community devastated by an unimaginable loss.
As the SCID takes over, the Edo State Police have assured the public that they will remain transparent and keep the public informed.
The path forward now lies in a meticulous investigation, with the aim of bringing to light the full details surrounding the tragic incident and delivering justice for all involved.
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