A 38-year-old university graduate, Mike Oje, has reportedly been beaten to death by his neighbour following a disagreement over his interaction with the neighbour’s three-year-old child in Mowe, Ogun State.

The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Edebiri Temitope, has now been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command and transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

Dispute Started Over Child’s Interaction

According to the police, trouble started after Oje allegedly hugged and played with Temitope’s three-year-old child.

The father reportedly became angry and accused Oje of engaging in what he described as “rough play.”

Ogun State Police spokesperson, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said the disagreement escalated into violence, with the suspect allegedly picking up a bamboo stick and repeatedly striking Oje.

The victim reportedly collapsed during the assault and later died from the injuries sustained.

 Relative Gives Account Of Incident

An earlier account by Peter Adum, Oje’s cousin, gave more details about what allegedly happened on August 26.

Adum told newsmen that Oje had returned from work when the child ran towards him and hugged him.

He said Oje hugged the boy, playfully lifted him into the air and caught him before going into his room.

According to Adum, the child’s father later confronted Oje, accusing him of playing roughly with his son.

The relative alleged that the confrontation escalated, with Temitope slapping Oje before picking up a bamboo stick and hitting him.

Adum said Oje collapsed after the attack and died.

Police Arrest Suspect After He Fledk

Following the incident, the suspect was initially reported to have fled the area with his family and gone into hiding.

However, the police later confirmed his arrest.

Babaseyi said Temitope had been transferred to the State CID in Eleweran, where investigators would continue probing the circumstances surrounding Oje’s death.

Oje was a graduate of Guidance and Counselling and was described by his relative as a friendly and jovial person who had recently completed his university education.

The police investigation is ongoing, and the allegations against the suspect remain subject to due process.