By David Akinadewo-Adekahunsi 

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a man, Mr Monday Elela, for allegedly killing his 14-year-old son, Tope, whom he accused of being a disgrace to the family due to his involvement in theft and other criminal activities.

The incident occurred in Ajowa Akoko, Akoko Northwest Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Elela was paraded alongside 24 other suspects for various offences, including murder, cultism, and burglary, by the Ondo State Commissioner of Police, Mr Wilfred Olutokunbo Afolabi.

According to the police, Elela and his wife were accused of killing their son and burying him in a shallow grave under a banana tree behind their house.

While the wife is reported to have fled the area, the father was arrested and taken into custody.

Speaking to reporters, Elela admitted to beating his son on the night of the incident after the boy reportedly escaped from the custody of the Amotekun Corps, the state’s security network.

He claimed he did not intend to kill his son and described him as the “black sheep” of the family due to his involvement in housebreaking, theft, and other criminal activities.

Elela, who has seven children, expressed regret but maintained that his son’s actions had brought shame to the family.

The Commissioner of Police also addressed the recent cult clashes in Owo Local Government Area, which resulted in the deaths of five individuals.

Those directly involved in the violence were paraded alongside Elela, as the police continue their crackdown on criminal activities in the state.

The Ondo State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining law and order and ensuring justice is served in all ongoing investigations.