By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

A 32-year-old man, Sunday Abilewa, has been remanded in custody for allegedly strangling his father to death in Isua-Akoko, Akoko Southeast Local Government Area of Ondo State, following a dispute over a motorcycle.

Abilewa was arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court on a one-count charge of murder after his arrest by officers of the Ondo State Police Command.

According to the police prosecutor, Inspector Abdulateef Suleiman, the incident occurred on December 31, 2024 at about 5:00 pm at Eberi Quarters, Isua-Akoko.

Suleiman told the court that the defendant had approached his 68-year-old father, Abu Abilewa, demanding that he buy him a new motorcycle.

When the father refused, an argument ensued, during which the defendant allegedly grabbed his father’s neck and strangled him to death.

The prosecutor added that efforts by the deceased’s wife to intervene were unsuccessful, as the defendant was reportedly under the influence of hard drugs at the time.

The prosecution stated that the offence contravenes Section 316 and is punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. II, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

He urged the court to remand the defendant in custody, pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).

Presiding over the case, Magistrate F.A. Akinboboye declined to take the defendant’s plea and ordered his remand at Olokuta Correctional Centre.

The case was adjourned till February 25, 2025 for mention.