Farmer kills mother-in-law over son’s custody in Ondo

A 29-year-old farmer, Segun Daniel has been alleged of killing his mother-in-law, Mrs Beatrice Lajuwomi, at a farm settlement in Igbotako, Okitipupa Local Government Area of Ondo State, over the custody of his son.

Daniel was said to have visited his 42-year-old mother-in-law in the farm last Saturday, seeking for the release of his only son who had been in the woman’s custody for some time.

According to a source, the deceased refused to release the little boy to his father which later led to an argument between the two of them.

The source said the mother refused to release the boy without the consent of her daughter, Olamiotan Lajuwomi who had been separated with her husband and had been living separately for a long time.

The deceased daughter was said to be living with her mother after separating with Daniel, saying there were disagreements between the two families over the custody of their son produced by the union.

The source said Olamiotan and the child were said to be living with her mother in the farm settlement but Daniel was not satisfied with the living conditions of the young boy and demanded to take the boy away with him.

The source said, ” On Saturday, he went to the house of his mother-in-law where his wife and child were living and wanted to take his child from the woman but they did not allow him, this led to an argument between them and later led to a fight.

ALSO READ: Nigeria’s 2019 general election: Listening to Prophet TB Joshua

“During the fight, Daniel punched the woman and she collapsed and shortly after she passed away.”

The source, however, said Daniel took to his heels immediately the incident happened and his where about remained unknown since then.

Confirming the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) Femi Joseph, said the command had begun to search for the suspect while investigation had commenced into the matter.

Joseph said ” Immediately after committing the crime, the suspect ran away and we have been looking for him. I am sure he will soon be arrested and face the full wrath of the law,”