A 38-year-old university graduate, Mike Oje, was reportedly beaten to death by his neighbour in Mowe, Ogun State, following an alleged disagreement over his interaction with the neighbour’s three-year-old child. The incident reportedly occurred after Oje hugged and played with the child, an action that allegedly angered the boy’s father. 

According to the Ogun State Police Command, the father, identified as 43-year-old Temitope Edebiri, allegedly became angry over what he considered “rough play.” The police said Edebiri picked up a bamboo stick and repeatedly struck Oje, who reportedly collapsed during the assault and later died from the injuries sustained.

Oje was a graduate of Guidance and Counselling. A relative who spoke about the incident said Oje was known as a friendly person who regularly played with people in the community and had no known dispute with Edebiri. The relative said the family was devastated by his death and was seeking justice.

The suspect, who was initially reported to have fled the area with his family, has since been arrested by the police. The command said Edebiri was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation into the circumstances surrounding Oje’s death.