Men of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested a 45-year-old man, Semiu Adegesin, for the death of a three-year old girl, Esther Samuel.
Adegesin was reportedly arrested for what was described as “contributory negligence” leading to the death of the child.
The suspect, who is the owner of the Dane gun with which Samuel was killed, carelessly left his loaded gun in an open space at the backyard of his house where children use to play.
It was at this point that a 13-year-old Ope Babalola picked up the loaded gun, pointed it at the deceased, and pulled the trigger.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi, noted that the suspect was arrested following a report lodged at the Imasayi Divisional Headquarters.
The report was lodged that a 13-year old boy, Ope Babalola, shot and killed the deceased with a Dane gun at Kukudi Village, Imasayi.
Oyeyemi said, “Upon arriving at the scene of the incident, the deceased was discovered in a pool of her own blood.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that Semiu Adegesin, the owner of the Dane gun, loaded his gun and carelessly left it in an open place at the backyard of the house where children used to play.
“It was at this point that the 13-year old Ope 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.”
The Commissioner of Police, Frank Mba, described it as unfortunate and sympathised with the deceased’s family.
Mba also appealed for calm, saying the case would be properly investigated.
He said, “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.”
The PPRO said the case had been transferred to the homicide section of the State Criminal Investigation Department for proper investigation.
