The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a teenager, Olamide Phillips, for allegedly stabbing his friend, Moses Odeh, to death during a fight on Sunday evening in the Isara area of the state. The incident, which occurred around 6:30 p.m. on Obalende Street, has shocked the local community.
According to Chief Superintendent of Police Omolola Odutola, the suspect and the victim were both from families that had long-standing friendships. However, tensions between the two friends escalated, leading to the fatal confrontation.
The tragic incident unfolded when Phillips’ mother reportedly informed Odeh’s father, Mr. Osapa, that her son had stolen N5,000 from her bank account. It is not entirely clear what sparked the fight between Phillips and Odeh, but sources indicate that the quarrel began when Odeh walked in on his father, who was reprimanding Phillips for the alleged theft.
Despite efforts by both parents to intervene and stop the altercation, the situation took a violent turn. According to police reports, Phillips, in the heat of the argument, grabbed an object and stabbed Odeh in the stomach. The victim was immediately rushed to Kings Hospital for medical treatment, but sadly, he succumbed to his injuries early the following morning.
Following the incident, Moses Odeh was admitted to the hospital, where he received immediate care. However, the injuries were too severe, and he passed away in the early hours of Monday, March 3. His death has left the community and his family devastated, as they never expected such a violent outcome from what appeared to be a simple disagreement between friends.
Odeh’s body was later transferred to the General Hospital in Isara for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death. The police have confirmed that the necessary legal procedures are being followed, and the investigation is ongoing.
After learning of Odeh’s death, police officers from the Isara Division immediately launched a manhunt for Olamide Phillips. The teenager had fled the scene following the stabbing, attempting to evade arrest. His whereabouts were unknown for a brief period, but the police eventually tracked him down in a neighbouring community, Ipara Remo, where he had been hiding.
Odutola confirmed the arrest, saying, “After the death of the victim, police operatives from the Isara Division launched a manhunt for Phillips. He was arrested in Ipara Remo, where he had been hiding.”
Phillips is now in police custody, and the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) in Abeokuta for further investigation. The police are working to determine the full details of the altercation and to ensure that justice is served.
The incident has shaken the Isara community, with many residents expressing their shock and sadness over the violent outcome of a seemingly minor dispute. Some locals have described the two teenagers as close friends, making the situation even more heartbreaking. “They were always together, so it is hard to believe that something like this could happen,” said a resident who wished to remain anonymous.
