Ogun: My Father Asked me to Kill Him and I Did —Murder Suspect

A shocking incident unfolded in Ogun State, as a 38-year-old man, identified as Matthew (surname withheld), was arrested for allegedly murdering his octogenarian father. Matthew claimed that he carried out the gruesome act to fulfill his father’s bizarre request.

The suspect, Matthew, hailing from Imo State but residing in Oshodi, Lagos State, had reportedly been embroiled in a complex family dispute that ultimately led to this horrific event. He cited several reasons for his actions, including pent-up anger and financial disagreements with his father.

According to Matthew, his father had repeatedly urged him to “give him rest of mind,” a statement he tragically interpreted as his father asking to be killed. This cryptic request left Matthew bewildered and frustrated. Additionally, he accused his father of withholding N70,000 from him, which he desperately needed, and of neglecting his needs after asking him to leave his Oshodi residence.

Matthew’s violent act came to light when he inflicted multiple machete wounds on his father, leading to the elderly man’s death. Though the octogenarian was rushed to a hospital, he was pronounced dead upon arrival.

The Ogun State Community, Social Orientation, and Safety Corps, known as So-Safe, received the distress call about the shocking crime. Matthew initially resisted arrest but was eventually subdued and taken into custody. He was subsequently transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

In his statement to the authorities, Matthew recounted the events leading up to the tragic incident. He mentioned the pressure put on him by his parents to leave his job and return home, which led to financial hardship. Despite giving his father N20,000 in January 2022 and an additional N50,000 in August, his father denied having the money. Matthew also alleged that his mother was complicit in the matter.

Matthew’s disturbing account continued, revealing that his father’s persistent demands to “kill him” had driven him to the breaking point. The final confrontation occurred when his father threatened to destroy the plantain trees Matthew had cut in their backyard. Fueled by desperation, Matthew picked up a cutlass and inflicted fatal injuries on his father.

The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Abiodun Alamutu, confirmed that the suspect would face legal proceedings once the investigation was complete. This tragic incident serves as a grim reminder of the importance of addressing family disputes and mental health issues before they escalate to such horrifying outcomes.