The Edo State Police Command confirmed today the arrest of Aisha Suleiman, a suspect linked to the tragic deaths of five youngsters due to suspected food poisoning in Afashio Community, Uzairue, Etsako West Local Government Area.
Last week’s incident sent shockwaves through the community, claiming the lives of four boys and one girl. Police spokesperson Moses Yamu released a statement announcing the arrest and ongoing investigation.
The police are currently determining the cause of the food poisoning.
The police spokesperson, Moses Yamu, in a statement on Thursday, said Aisha Suleiman, who is suspected to have caused the death of the lone victim, has been arrested.
The statement read, “The command received a report on 26/10/2024 at about 0730hrs, from one Elogie Ezekiel of Afashio Community, that at about 0630hrs of the same date, he went to check his son named Emmanuel Elogie (19 years) at his apartment.
That upon gaining entrance into the apartment, he met the lifeless body of his son’s friend named Nurudeen, surname not known, at the corridor. He went further and met the lifeless bodies of his son with his girlfriend Ada Samuel (16 years) on the bed in the bedroom.
“Another two of the son’s friends named Samuel Ayegwalo and Jeffrey Ayegwalo who turned out to be siblings were found in the sitting room. They were evacuated to the hospital where the doctor confirmed them dead.
“On 29/10/2024 at about 1710hrs, operatives of Jattu Division received information that a girl later identified as Aisha Suleiman (16 years) alleged to have caused the death of Emmanuel Elogie and four others with food poison was about to be lynched by some young men from the community.”
Residents are reeling from the sudden loss, and community leaders have urged calm while the investigation unfolds.
As the inquiry continues, authorities have not released further details on the suspect’s involvement or the circumstances surrounding the poisoning.
