A 34-year-old father of seven, Monday Elela, has been apprehended by the Ondo State Police Command for allegedly killing his 14-year-old son, Tope Elela, over repeated thefts.
The incident occurred in the Ajowa Akoko area of the state, where the suspect and his wife—who remains at large—are said to have buried their son in a shallow grave after his death.
Elela, a bricklayer and farmer, was paraded before the press alongside other suspected criminals at the police headquarters in Akure, the state capital.
While he admitted to disciplining his son, Elela denied any involvement in his death.
According to him, Tope had frequently been arrested by the police and the Amotekun Corps for stealing, causing embarrassment to the family.
He explained, “Out of my seven children, he was the one causing us constant problems. He would break into people’s homes and was well-known in our area for it. He had been arrested several times but never changed his ways.”
Elela recounted that the last time Tope was caught, he had been apprehended by Amotekun operatives but managed to escape from their custody by breaking through a ventilation opening.
After being found and returned home, the father said they only gave him a light spanking for his misdeeds.
Elela claimed they were unaware that the boy had sustained injuries during his time with Amotekun and that he later died in his sleep.
“We spanked him for his wrongdoings, but he ate his food, took a bath, and went to bed. It was the next morning when we tried to wake him up that we discovered he was unresponsive. We rushed to him and confirmed he had died,” he stated.
Elela and his wife then buried Tope’s body in their backyard, insisting that they did not kill him.
In a separate development, the State Police Commissioner, Wilfred Afolabi, announced the arrest of two suspects involved in recent cult-related violence in Owo, Ondo State.
The individuals, Adeola Bero and Olabode Ojo, were arrested in Akure and are suspected members of the Ave cult group.
They confessed to participating in the conflict between the Eiye and Aiye cult groups, but claimed to have left Owo to avoid further involvement.
