3-year-old boy drowns in septic tank, landlord arrested
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command have arrested Mr. Philip Jallo, a landlord, following the drowning of a 3-year-old boy in Durumi II, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT. CP Saka Ajao Adewale disclosed this to our reporter at the command on Friday, stating that the suspect was arrested by […]
The soak away which the boy fell into
Operatives of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) police command have arrested Mr. Philip Jallo, a landlord, following the drowning of a 3-year-old boy in Durumi II, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) of the FCT.
CP Saka Ajao Adewale disclosed this to our reporter at the command on Friday, stating that the suspect was arrested by officers from the Durumi Divisional Police Headquarters after receiving a report about the child’s death.
The heart-wrenching tragedy occurred on July 16, 2025, at about 9 pm, when the 3-year-old boy fell and drowned inside an uncovered septic tank (soak-away) in a residential compound, which was allegedly left exposed by the suspect.
Reports indicate that neighbors had repeatedly appealed to the suspect to cover the septic tank, but their pleas went unheeded.
According to Adewale, a preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soak-away had long posed a danger to residents in the area, and despite several warnings and pleas, the suspect failed to take the necessary action.
“And unfortunately, the innocent child was said to be playing within the compound when he tragically slipped and fell into the uncovered soak-away. Sadly, the boy was pronounced dead at the hospital after being rescued from the tank,” he said.
CP Adewale expressed sadness over the incident and commiserated with the family of the deceased, adding that the suspect is currently in custody.
The police commissioner urged residents to always prioritize environmental safety.
He also advised parents and guardians to be vigilant and ensure their children are properly monitored at all times to prevent such needless loss of life.