Police detain wife over five family members death

The first wife of the late Mr. Aliu Adeoye, who died with his second
wife and three children on Friday in Temidire community, in Sabo area
of Abeokuta, has been detained in police headquarters, Eleweran, in
Ogun State.

Adeoye, who was said to be a surveyor, died of suspected poisonous
gaseous substance in a room with other victims, in his six-room
bungalow at No 3, Ireti Akinbode Street in Abeokuta.

Some neighbours of the deceased had wanted to lynch the first wife on
Friday, who they suspected was responsible for spraying the room with
the poisonous substance, but she was rescued by the policemen from the
nearby Ilupeju Divisional headquarters.

When PUNCH correspondent visited the community on Saturday, the
neighbours insisted the first wife should be held responsible for
these unfortunate deaths.

However, the only tenant in the house, Mr. Egbebi Abiose, survived the
incident but he was still receiving treatment at an undisclosed
private hospital in Abeokuta on Saturday.

The acting chairman, Temidire Community Development Association, Mr.
Taofiq Akanni, confirmed that there was constant quarrel in the family
of Adeoye.

He told our correspondent that some members of the community had to
settle a rift in the family last Sunday.

The Police Public Relations officer in the state, Mr. Muyiwa Adejobi,
said the first wife was currently being kept in police custody at
Eleweran for two reasons.

Adejobi said, "The woman is with us for two reasons. The mob that
gathered at the community after the incident wanted to lynch her.
Again, she was accused of being the one who sprayed the gaseous
substance into the room, where the victims died.

"We cannot ascertain the cause of death for now. There are allegations
here and there but the police will do what needed to be done."

PUNCH