In a shocking turn of events, a 45-year-old man has been arrested for the alleged abuse and neglect of his own children, resulting in the tragic deaths of two of them.
The suspect, identified as Gbenga Ogunfadeke, is accused of chaining and locking his children in solitary confinement without food or water for over three months.
The children, aged 16, 17, and 18, were reportedly taken into their father’s custody following his divorce from their mother, Busola Otusegun.
The investigation by News About Nigeria revealed that Ogunfadeke accused his children of stealing, leading to his horrific actions.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday in Ibiade, Ogun Waterside Local Government Area of Ogun State by men of the State Security Network, also known as the Amotekun Corps. The arrest was made following a complaint by his ex-wife, who was alerted to the situation by one of their surviving children.
Upon interrogation, Ogunfadeke admitted to confining his children for months but denied not feeding them and being responsible for their deaths.
He claimed that his two deceased children were taken to hospital for treatment at different times when they fell ill but died in the process.
However, there are suspicions that the suspect may have killed the deceased children for possible rituals.
The case is being transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation to establish the facts that will facilitate Ogunfadeke’s prosecution.
This tragic case highlights the pervasive issue of child abuse and neglect, which has devastating and long-lasting impacts on children’s physical and mental health, as well as their social and emotional development.
It is essential to establish and enforce stronger protections for children, including mandatory reporting laws, child welfare policies, and increased public awareness campaigns.
