A middle-aged woman, Mariam Musa, who was among the suspected criminals recently paraded by the new Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Wale Olokede, has confessed to why she killed her stepson.
Marian was arrested for allegedly poisoning her three-year-old stepson, Rokeeb Musa.
Mariam, who is currently pregnant, confessed to the crime that occurred on December 26, 2020, in Ede area of the state.
She told the police that she bought a pesticide (Rocket) and poisoned the child because her husband was showing more love and favour to the second wife because she had a male child, while she, being the first wife, was yet to have a male child.
It gathered that after the poisoning, the child was taken to Muslim Hospital in Ede, but died while receiving treatment on December 31.
Exhibits recovered from the suspect include a pesticide bottle with liquid content.
Speaking in the recent crimes in the state, Olokede said just a day before his resumption, precisely December 29, 2020, “two cases of kidnapping were recorded along Akure-Ilesa, and Ila-Oyan roads, where one man and six females were kidnapped at the two different spots respectively.
“This prompted me to quickly set new security template in motion and give the Area Commanders, DPOs and Heads of other police formations a marching order to ensure the kidnapped victim(s) are rescued unhurt and arrest the perpetrators.
“Within 48 hours, all the victims were rescued unhurt, and without paying any ransom. This feat attested to the fact that I am a man of my words and further directed police officers to go after other prevalent crimes like an armed robbery; cultism, ritual killings and other vices, to ensure that they are brought to a halt.
As CP, I do not just give an order but personally lead and coordinate operations.”
According to Olokode, the suspected kidnappers are Aderemi Serif (32), Lawal Dauda (20) and Bello Taofeek (21).
He said: “On December 24, 2020, at about 7:00 p.m., some suspected cultists knew as Ikiola Group were having candlelight procession around Sabo area, Osogbo. During the procession, some hoodlums attacked two Hausa men selling tea and suya. They stole their suya, money and destroyed 10 crates of eggs belonging to them.
“The fracas led to the killing of Zakariyahu Abdulahi, while several others were injured. The were arrested in connection with the offence. They have made useful statements.
“Efforts are being intensified to arrest more suspects in connection with the case while the investigation continues.”
Olokode said another case of conspiracy and murder was also recorded where four suspects, Garuba Lukman Famous (31), Tajudeen Monsuru (30), Hamzat Akeem (25) and Awayewasere Yusuf (37) were arrested.
Giving details of the case, the police boss said: “On December 26, 2020, a case of a missing person was reported at Iwo division and was transferred to the State CID and police detectives swung into action immediately.
“Through intelligence-led the investigation, detectives succeeded in arresting the suspects and they confessed to have kidnapped and killed the victim, one Akanbi Adeolu. They also confessed to the killing of one Alani Mutiyat and Akinloye Ibrahim and many other victims. While the fourth suspect, Awayewasere Yusuf, confessed to having bought the human parts from the gangsters and also sold to some suspects who are still at large.
“The decomposing and other parts of the victims in their possession were exhumed and recovered as exhibits. Efforts are on top gear to arrest other culprits at large.”
Olokode said all the suspects would be arraigned in court after the completion of investigations into their cases.
