Edo police detain 16-year-old for poisoning ex-boyfriend, friends

The Edo State Police Command has taken a 16-year-old girl, Aisha Suleiman, into custody following allegations that she fatally poisoned her ex-boyfriend, Emmanuel, and four other young men in the Afashio community of the Etsako West Local Government Area.

TopNaija reported the tragic events that unfolded on October 26, 2024, when Emmanuel’s father, Mr. Elogie Ezekiel, arrived at his son’s residence around 6:30 a.m. to find several lifeless bodies inside. Upon entering the apartment, Ezekiel first discovered the body of a young man, identified as Nurudeen, in the corridor.

Further investigation revealed Emmanuel, 19, and his girlfriend, Ada Samuel, also 16, unresponsive on the bed in the bedroom. In the sitting room, two additional friends, siblings Samuel and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, were found in a similar state.

All five individuals were rushed to a nearby hospital, where they were pronounced dead on arrival. Reports from the community suggest that the victims had recently consumed a pot of pepper soup prepared by Suleiman.

The investigation intensified three days later when the police were alerted that Suleiman was at risk of being attacked by a group of young men from the community who believed she was responsible for the deaths. Responding swiftly, officers from the Jattu Division intervened and escorted Suleiman safely to the police station.

State Police Public Relations Officer, SP Moses Yamu, confirmed the incident, stating, “The case has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation.”

Commissioner of Police, CP Umoru Ozigi, has ordered a comprehensive inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the deaths and urged the community to refrain from mob action, assuring that the police are committed to uncovering the truth and delivering justice.