The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 21-year-old butcher, Selim Ayodele, popularly known as Abati, over the alleged killing of his 26-year-old colleague, Ibrahim Wasiu, following a disagreement at their workplace in Alagbole meat market.
Drivetvnews gathered that the incident reportedly occurred on Sunday after the two men had finished their day’s work at a cow meat-selling outlet in the area.
The state Police Public Relations Officer, Oluseyi Babaseyi, disclosed the development in a statement issued on Friday, explaining that the suspect was arrested after the incident was reported at Ajuwon Police Station at about 8 p.m.
According to Babaseyi, preliminary investigations indicated that the disagreement started over sweeping the floor after the day’s work.
During a video shared on the police spokesperson’s Facebook account, Ayodele gave his account of what happened before the stabbing.
The suspect claimed that he was preparing to pack the waste on the floor when Wasiu allegedly confronted him and attempted to fight him.
He said he initially avoided the confrontation but later took a knife from his colleague during the altercation.
Ayodele further claimed that Wasiu had wounded him during the fight and that he picked up the knife from the floor before stabbing him in the neck.
He added that he subsequently went to the police station with another person who was present to report the incident, saying he did not expect the victim to die.
Expressing regret over the incident, the suspect urged people to avoid violence and resolve disagreements peacefully.
“I am not happy. I want to tell people not to do what I did. They shouldn’t kill anyone or have a bad mind towards others. It’s not good,” he said.
However, the police gave a different account of the precise location of the injury, stating that the suspect allegedly stabbed Wasiu on the left side of his chest and twisted the weapon during the attack.
Babaseyi said the victim was rushed to Life Hospital, where he was confirmed dead on arrival.
His remains were subsequently deposited at Life Channel Private Mortuary in Lambe, Ajuwon, for an autopsy.
The police spokesperson confirmed that Ayodele remained in custody as investigations continued ahead of his possible prosecution.
