Boy beaten to death for plucking cocoa pods in Ondo

The police command in Ondo State has arrested a suspect for allegedly beating a young boy to death after accusing him of plucking cocoa pods from a farm. DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Tuesday in Akure. According to the statement, the incident occurred on September 20, […]

The police command in Ondo State has arrested a suspect for allegedly beating a young boy to death after accusing him of plucking cocoa pods from a farm.

DSP Olushola Ayanlade, the command’s spokesperson, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on Tuesday in Akure.

According to the statement, the incident occurred on September 20, at Akunmi Quarters in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South West Local Government Area of the state.

Ayanlade said, “The police received a report of a young boy who had been severely assaulted after being accused of plucking cocoa pods from a farm.

“The boy was brought to the station in an unconscious state, and officers immediately directed that he be taken for urgent medical attention. Regrettably, at about 5.36pm, he was confirmed dead at the hospital.”

The spokesperson added that the suspect, who was also the complainant, was promptly arrested, and the deceased’s remains were deposited at the hospital’s morgue for an autopsy.

He said the case has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure for a discreet investigation aimed at ensuring justice is served.

The Commissioner of Police (CP), Adebowale Lawal, strongly condemned the tragic incident and cautioned the public against resorting to jungle justice.

He urged citizens to report all criminal acts to the police and allow due process to prevail. (NAN)