The Edo State Police Command has detained a man, Theophilus Osazuwa, for allegedly causing the death of his four-year-old son, Testimony Osazuwa, while reportedly under the influence of hard drugs.
According to the command’s spokesperson, Moses Yamu, the incident occurred on Tuesday, December 24, 2024, at about 12:30 p.m. in Ogbeson Quarters, off the Benin-Agbor Road, Benin City.
The suspect, who had just returned to his residence, allegedly fell into a trance, screamed “Holy Ghost fire,” and slammed the child against a wall. Efforts to save the boy’s life were unsuccessful as he was pronounced dead upon arrival at the hospital.
Yamu disclosed in a statement issued Wednesday evening: “The Edo Police Command has apprehended Theophilus Osazuwa of Ogbeson Quarters for the murder of his son, Testimony Osazuwa. Preliminary investigations suggest the suspect may have been influenced by illicit substances at the time of the incident.”
He added, “Eyewitnesses said Osazuwa went berserk, shouting religious phrases before committing the act. It is a tragic reminder of the devastating effects of drug abuse.”
Edo State Commissioner of Police, Umoru Ozigi, condemned the incident and urged young people to steer clear of substance abuse.
“Drugs not only destroy lives but also endanger the safety of others,” he said, highlighting the need for increased awareness of their dangers.
