An Ebute Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on Thursday remanded in Ikoyi Prison a 34-year-old bricklayer, Abiodun Otaoroju, for allegedly killing his 41-day-old son.
The defendant is facing a two-count of murder and administering obnoxious substance.
His plea was, however, not taken as the court has no jurisdiction to try such case.
“I hereby remand the defendant at the Ikoyi Prison, pending the outcome of the legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions,” Magistrate Helen Omisore said.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Idowu Onime, had told the court that the defendant, on August 30, unlawfully killed his son, Kazeem.
He said, “The defendant used an obnoxious substance known as ‘Bint El Sudan Perfume’ to kill the deceased.
“The defendant, who lives at 16, Aiyegbami Street, Ibeju Lekki in Lagos, was arrested by the police after the mother of the baby cried out to the neighbourhood for help.”
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the alleged incident, which took place in Epe, in Lagos State, contravened sections 221 and 241 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
Omisore adjourned the case to October 31, for the DPP’s advice.
Earlier, the accused had told reporters that, “I met Ronke in 2011. She’s a fashion designer. We later fell in love and early this year, she got pregnant. I went to meet her father and told him I wanted to marry her and he accepted.
“I have another wife and have three children. But I didn’t marry Ronke but I provided for her and made sure she was alright. In June, she gave birth to Kazeem and we had christening.
“I don’t live with them but I usually spend the weekend with them. On August 30, during one of my visits, I sent Ronke to buy bread and make me some tea. She left the baby with me.”
Otaoroju said when Ronke went out, he started hearing strange voices in his head commanding him to kill his child.
He said, “I went outside and bought a liquid substance known as Bint El Sudan, it’s a type of perfume.
“I took the substance, opened Kazeem’s mouth and poured it into it. I don’t know why I did that.”
dlimelite at 14-09-2012 12:53 PM (12 years ago) (f)
You met Ronke and pregnated her a year before meeting her father. She gave birth to Kazeem in June. Then you later kill the child that's not even unpto 1 yr. Meanwhile You have another wife with 3 children. You mustve killed your lovechild to hide your infidelity. That's not fair for the child and it's mother. That's very wicked & selfish. You shoulda allowed another man to marry her since you were already married with 3 kids to begin with. Overall only God knows the truth. I pity the mother and the child.
Posted: at 14-09-2012 12:53 PM (12 years ago) | Hero