Ogun Dad Kills Man for Playing with His 3-Year-Old

The Ogun State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of 43-year-old Edebiri Temitope in connection with the death of his 38-year-old neighbour, Oje Michael Eje, following a confrontation in the Bluestone Treasure Estate, Mowe-Ofada, in Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area.

Eje, a graduate of Benue State University with a degree in Guidance and Counselling who worked as a housekeeper for a real estate firm in the estate, died on August 26 after an encounter involving the suspect’s young son, estimated to be three or four years old. Family members recounted that Eje had returned from work when the child approached and hugged him. Eje responded by playfully lifting the boy into the air and catching him before retiring indoors.

According to relatives, including cousin Peter Adum, the child’s father later confronted Eje, accusing him of “rough play.” The exchange escalated: Temitope allegedly slapped Eje before picking up a bamboo stick (described in some early accounts as a plank) and striking him repeatedly—reports cite about three blows, with impact areas including the side of the chest or waist and head. Eje collapsed at the scene and was confirmed dead.

Temitope was initially reported to have left the area with family members after the incident. Police later stated that he had been apprehended. Command spokesperson DSP Oluseyi (Seyi) Babaseyi announced on Friday that the suspect, earlier listed as at large, had been arrested and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department at Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

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“Edebiri Temitope, ‘M’, aged 43 years, who was earlier reported to be at large, has been arrested in connection with the death of Oje Michael Eje, ‘M’,” Babaseyi said. He noted that Temitope allegedly became infuriated by what he described as the interaction and used the bamboo stick until Eje collapsed.

Family accounts indicate the body was taken to a mortuary and that an autopsy has been arranged. Relatives have called for thorough investigation and justice, while rejecting any informal settlement proposals reported in earlier coverage. Some accounts differ on minor details such as the exact implement used or the precise sequence of events, and one early report suggested the suspect had approached police himself.

Police emphasise that the full circumstances remain under investigation and that the allegations against Temitope have not been proven in court. The case continues at the State CID.