Man punches relative to death at father’s burial

Man identified as Okekenu Gbadebo has reportedly punched a relative, Adebayo Gbenro, to death in the Ijemo-Agbadu area of Abeokuta in Ogun State.

The incident happened on Saturday at about 7:30 p.m when an argument ensued between the deceased and Gbadebo during the preparation for their father’s burial ceremony at their family house in Ijemo-Agbadu.

A police source at the Oke-Itoku Divisional Police Headquarters, where the incident was reported, stated that Gbadebo was said to have punched the deceased in the chest following a heated argument.

“The family members gathered to prepare for the final burial of their late father, scheduled to take place on Sunday, but while the arrangements were ongoing, there was an argument between Gbadebo and Gbenro.

“Nobody thought it could degenerate into a fight. It was unexpected when Gbadebo suddenly hit Gbenro, 37, in the chest. Gbenro immediately slumped as a result of the punch and was rushed down to a hospital, where he was declared dead by a doctor on duty,” the police officer said.

Also, the victim’s sister was said to have told the police that the deceased collapsed shortly after he was punched in the chest.

The incident was said to have thrown the family members who had gathered for the burial party slated for the next day, into a state confusion.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, said Gbadebo was arrested shortly after the matter was reported at a police station.

“The victim and suspect are relatives. They went for a burial ceremony at their family house in Abeokuta. It was during the arrangements for the burial that an argument ensued between the duo. Gbadebo reportedly hit the deceased in the chest, who collapsed immediately after.

“He was rushed to Ijaye General Hospital where he was subsequently confirmed dead. The corpse has been deposited at the hospital mortuary for post-mortem examination.

“In the meantime, we have arrested the suspect, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation,” Odutola disclosed.