Man, 40, Lands in Police Net over 7 Year-Old Son’s Mysterious Death in Onitsha

By Praise Chinecherem

A 40-year old man, Alfred Bassey has been arrested and detained over sudden death of his 7-year old son at a Construction site at Trans- Nkisi Layout, Onitsha.

According to an official statement from the Anambra State Police Command, the deceased lifeless body was found in a soakaway pit dug in an abandoned uncompleted building after the suspect left the child for an unknown destination.

The State Police Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, investigation revealed the deceased father forcibly took him from the mother and has been living with him in an uncompleted building at Trans-Nkisi Layout Onitsha.

The statement read: “Police Operatives attached to the 3-3 Divisional Headquarters today 13th December, 2024 by 9.30 am, arrested one Alfred Bassey (M) aged 40 years and native of Abi in Cross River State.

“The arrest was in connection with an ongoing investigation of a reported case of the sudden death of a 7-year old child at a Construction site along Trans- Nkisi Layout, Onitsha.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the father of the victim forcibly took the minor from the mother and has been living with him in an uncompleted building at Trans-Nkisi Layout Onitsha.

“Furthermore, on 11th December 2024, the lifeless body of the child was found in a soakaway pit dug in the abandoned uncompleted building after the suspect left the child for an unknown destination.

“The body of the child was later recovered and taken to the hospital before he was confirmed dead by a doctor.

“The State Commissioner of Police CP Nnaghe Obono Itam saddened by this development admonished parents to prioritize the well-being of their children against any difference they may have had with their spouse to avoid exposing them to emotional and psychological trauma and/or death.

“He further directs the immediate transfer of the Case to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Awka, for a more detailed investigation.”