Nearly eight months after the tragic death of retired school teacher Mrs Adedotun Oluwaseun in Abeokuta, the Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a 49-year-old transporter, Saburi Lateef, also known as Alhaji Oki Osan, in connection with the homicide. The victim, who previously worked as a confidential secretary for the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, was discovered dead inside her apartment in the Bode Olude area of the state capital.
According to police insiders, the breakthrough came following intense investigations ordered by the state commissioner of police. Investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly infiltrated the victim's home while she was attending a social gathering. When the retired educator unexpectedly returned, the intruder reportedly strangled her before using a machete to inflict multiple injuries. In a chilling detail, the suspect is said to have placed the body on a toilet closet to confirm the fatality during an ordeal that lasted over an hour without alerting neighbours.
What led to the confession?
During interrogation, Lateef claimed the attack stemmed from frustration over an unresolved financial disagreement involving millions of naira. He alleged that he had handed over funds from the sale of his truck to the victim in anticipation of a business loan, which he claimed she repeatedly delayed returning. The suspect admitted to breaking into the premises while intoxicated because he was determined to recover his money, leading to the fatal confrontation.
How did the family react to the arrest?
Despite the suspect's assertions, grieving relatives have vehemently denied knowing him or being aware of any financial dealings between him and the deceased. Mrs Taiwo Atanda, the eldest daughter of the victim, expressed utter shock upon learning of the arrest, noting that the family had never encountered the suspect prior to the tragedy.
Adding a disturbing dimension to the case, relatives confirmed that Lateef was among the individuals who visited the family residence to offer condolences immediately following the discovery of the murder. The bereaved family has since appealed to authorities to ensure a comprehensive investigation and deliver absolute justice. Meanwhile, police authorities in the state have reaffirmed their commitment to clamping down on violent criminals and ensuring that perpetrators face the full extent of the law.