By Adegbaju Temitope
Tragedy struck in the Federal Capital Territory as a serving member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) allegedly stabbed his father, identified as 53-year-old Adimike Godwin, to death during a heated argument at their residence in Guzape, Abuja.
The incident reportedly occurred on Friday night within a residential estate in the upscale area of the nation’s capital, throwing family members, neighbours and business associates into shock.
Sources familiar with the development disclosed that the suspect had returned from a nightclub before confronting his father over issues relating to money and the management of family business funds.
It was gathered that an argument later ensued after the corps member allegedly accused his father of being unfair financially, comparing him with parents of some of his friends who reportedly bought cars for their children despite having less wealth.
The disagreement was said to have escalated into violence, during which the suspect allegedly stabbed his father three times in different parts of the body, leading to fatal injuries.
A source within the Electrical Dealers Association of Nigeria (EDAN), who confirmed the incident, described the deceased as a prominent electrical dealer and respected member of the association.
According to the source, the late businessman operated between Lagos and Abuja and was also involved in real estate management.
“We received news that one of our members, one of the big boys in the market, was involved in a tragic incident. He is an importer, a major dealer, and also involved in real estate,” the source said.
“He travelled to Abuja to see his first son, who is serving there for his youth service and also manages some of his father’s real estate business.
“Apparently, a heated argument ensued after the son confronted his father about being unfair with money, citing how some of his friends’ fathers, who are not as wealthy, buy cars for their children.”
The source further alleged that the suspect had issues with substance abuse and had returned from a club before the confrontation.
“Following the confrontation and an argument over mismanagement of business funds, the son allegedly stabbed his father three times in different parts of the body,” the source added.
The union member disclosed that the association had already secured the deceased’s shops and warehouses to prevent looting or unauthorised removal of goods by apprentices or other persons.
“That is our normal procedure whenever such a tragedy happens to one of our members,” he said.
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Federal Capital Territory Police Command, SP Josephine Adeh, said the police had commenced investigation into the matter.
She explained that the incident came to light after concerned persons raised alarm over their inability to reach the deceased.
“The FCT Police Command is investigating the death of Mr. Adimike Godwin of Guzape, which was discovered following a distress call,” she said.
“On arrival, the police found the injured victim in a pool of his own blood. He was confirmed dead by doctors on duty at Karu General Hospital.”
Adeh added that five suspects, including a relative of the deceased, had been taken into custody as part of ongoing investigations ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Ahmed Muhammed Sanusi.
“The police have taken five suspects, including a relative, into custody as part of a discreet investigation ordered by the Commissioner of Police,” she stated.
She urged members of the public to remain calm and provide useful information that could assist the police in concluding investigations into the tragic incident.
