Why I Killed My 41-Day-Old Son – Trainee Herbalist

A trainee herbalist, Ifagbenga Taiwo, who was arrested for allegedly killing his 41-day-old son in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has claimed he carried out the act under the influence of a spell.

The incident occurred in the Keesi area of Adatan, where Taiwo reportedly slit the infant’s throat while his wife, Raimat Wasilat, was outside washing clothes. When Wasilat returned to the room, she discovered her son dead and immediately raised an alarm, drawing the attention of neighbors and law enforcement.

The Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the arrest and stated that Wasilat had implicated her husband in the crime, prompting his detention for further investigation.

In a video recorded during police interrogation, Taiwo admitted to the act, saying he was overcome by an uncontrollable urge to commit a crime. Speaking in Yoruba, he explained:

“I just felt a breeze blow at me, and I began to feel uneasy. It was like something was circulating in my body, and I felt like committing a crime. I didn’t meet my wife where she was washing clothes, so I went inside, picked a knife, and approached my son. That was the last thing I remembered before I came back to consciousness.”

Taiwo described being shocked upon realizing what he had done and fled the scene through the back door.

The herbalist denied suggestions that he killed his son to end his marriage, insisting, “I love my wife, and I did not plan to divorce her. I don’t know how it happened. I am sorry about what I did.”

He has pleaded with the government for mercy, expressing regret for his actions. Police investigations are ongoing.