Man beats relative to death during father’s burial

• The incident has cast a dark cloud of despair and apprehension on the family members who had gathered for the burial party which was slated for the next day

One Adebayo Gbenro met his end last Saturday after he was killed by a relative named Okekenu Gbadebo.

Gbenro was said to have been punched to death by Gbadebo during a family function in the Ijemo-Agbadu area, Abeokuta, Ogun State.

It’s gathered that matters came to a head in the evening of the fateful day when a misunderstanding ensued between the deceased and Gbadebo while plans were being made for their late father’s burial ceremony at their family house in Ìjemò-Agbadu.

A police source who was familiar with the matter when it was reported at the Oke-Itoku Divisional Police Headquarters stated that Gbadebo was said to have punched the deceased in the chest following the heated argument.

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

The incident has cast a dark cloud of despair, agony and apprehension on the family members who had gathered for the burial party which was slated for the next day.

“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 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,” Punch quoted the cop as saying.

The Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident to newsmen.

He said Gbadebo was arrested shortly after the matter was reported at a police station.

She said, “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 postmortem 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.”