Edo, Nigeria: A tragic incident has unfolded in Edo State, Nigeria, where a 16-year-old girl, Aisha Suleiman, has been taken into police custody for allegedly poisoning a meal intended for her ex-boyfriend, which led to the deaths of five individuals. The incident has shocked the Afashio community of Uzairue, drawing widespread public attention and concern.
According to reports, the incident occurred on October 26, 2024, when Aisha allegedly laced a pepper soup dish with poison in an attempt to harm her former boyfriend, 19-year-old Emmanuel Elogie. Unfortunately, the meal was shared by Emmanuel, his current girlfriend Ada Samuel, and friends Nurudeen, Samuel Ayegwalo, and Jeffrey Ayegwalo, all of whom were found dead in a shared flat.
Emmanuel’s father, Elogie Ezekiel, made the devastating discovery early the next morning. According to a statement from police spokesperson SP Moses Joel Iyamu, Ezekiel first encountered Nurudeen’s lifeless body in the corridor before finding Emmanuel and Ada in the bedroom and the other two victims in the sitting room. The unexpected deaths have left the community grieving and shocked.
Attempted Mob Justice Averted
Following the discovery, local residents, outraged by the tragedy, reportedly attempted to take matters into their own hands. SP Iyamu confirmed that local police received reports of an impending lynching of the suspect, prompting officers from the Jattu Division to intervene. Authorities managed to rescue Aisha from the mob and transferred her to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further questioning.
Police Commitment to Justice
Commissioner of Police CP Umoru Peter Ozigi addressed the incident, promising a comprehensive investigation to uncover all the details surrounding the deaths. He expressed a commitment to pursuing justice through lawful means, stating, “We will leave no stone unturned to ascertain the cause of these young people’s deaths and ensure justice is served.” The tragic case has sparked discussions on the importance of addressing interpersonal conflicts through non-violent means and has also highlighted the risk of mob justice interfering with legal procedures.
Social Media Reaction and Circulating Footage
Unverified videos related to the incident have surfaced on social media, gaining significant attention from the public. Many users have expressed outrage, shock, and sorrow over the tragic consequences of the alleged poisoning. The incident continues to prompt widespread discussions across online platforms about crime, justice, and the need for conflict resolution without violence.