Crime

Son Arrested for Allegedly Killing Activist Father in Edo State Over Money Dispute

Published by Tope Fakinlede on July 17th, 2024.

Son Arrested for Allegedly Killing Activist Father in Edo State Over Money Dispute

By Adeyinka Adedipe

The Edo State Police Command has reported the arrest of Arthur Angel Jr. for the alleged murder of his father, Arthur Judah Angel, following a financial dispute in Ugboha, Esan South East, on Sunday.

Chidi Nwabuzor, the Command’s Spokesman, informed The FIRST CLASS GISTS on Wednesday that initial investigations revealed the son had previously threatened his father and ultimately carried out the threat by striking him with a sledgehammer.

According to Nwabuzor, “On July 15, 2024, around 9:00 AM, the Divisional Police Officer of Ugboha division received a report from 17-year-old Arthur Angel Jr. about discovering a shallow grave in their backyard. The DPO immediately deployed officers to the scene. Upon arrival, they exhumed the body and identified it as 70-year-old Arthur Judah Angel, noting a severe injury to the back of his head. The body was subsequently taken to Uromi Hospital mortuary.”

The spokesman continued, “Preliminary investigation suggests that Arthur Angel Jr. had repeatedly threatened to kill his father, believing he had received funds from Amnesty International. The suspect allegedly struck his father with a sledgehammer while he slept.”

Currently, the suspect has been transferred to the homicide section of the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department for further inquiry.

Arthur Judah Angel, a known anti-death penalty advocate, was killed and buried in a shallow grave behind his house on Sunday. Having been sentenced to death in 1986 for a crime he claimed he did not commit, Angel dedicated his life to human rights advocacy through his foundation, Life Wire International Foundation, campaigning against the death penalty worldwide through art exhibitions and drawings.

Michael Ihaza, Angel’s cousin, confirmed the tragic news to The FIRST CLASS GISTS on Tuesday. He said, “I cannot really say if he had problems with anyone. He won several land disputes but never mentioned any threats to me. His 15-year-old son, who reported the case, has been taken into custody for questioning. Although the police suspect him, I doubt his involvement in his father’s death. My late uncle was a gentleman who fought for humanity and prison reform.”

The police are continuing their investigation, with hopes of identifying and prosecuting the perpetrator.