By Evelyn Usman

Perhaps, if Mrs Ijuo Ruth had known that her mere reaction to a slighting remark by one of her neighbors last week would result in her demise, she would have managed to keep her emotions in check.

The 30-year-old pregnant woman reportedly had a verbal confrontation with her 42-year-old neighbor, one Mrs Mary Peter at their Olorunshogo abode in Ijebu-Ode, Ogun state.

The quarrel, said to have been caused by failure of one of them to sweep the compound, later degenerated into a fight, with one of them threatening to leave an indelible mark on the other.    Rather than an indelible mark, which could have faded away someday, it resulted in the death of the pregnant woman.

Crime Alert gathered that as both women were engaged in the fight, three other persons said to be related to her neighbor, Mrs. Mary Peter, allegedly beat Mrs Ijuo to a stupor, resulting in her being unconscious.

At first, her still position was taken by her rivals as pretense. But  a curious tenant whose attempt to separate the fighters failed, reportedly went to the victim on the floor where it was discovered that the pregnant woman was no longer breathing. She was thereafter, rushed to the hospital where unfortunately, she was confirmed dead the next day.

Policemen from Igbegba division who were alerted, rushed to the compound  where those who gang-beat the pregnant woman were arrested. The suspects whose identities were given as   Linda Agi (18yrs), Udaga Gift ( 17yrs), Ochieni Bose Rita (15yrs) and Mary Peter( 42yrs), all of Okun Owa, Ijebu-Ode, reportedly expressed shock when informed about Mrs Ijuo’s death.

The case, according to spokesman for the Ogun state Police Command, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, was transferred to the State Criminal Investigations Department, Abeokuta, from where the suspects would be charged to court.

…. As  Police arrest mother, son, over alleged murder

In her wildest imagination, Mrs Jemilat Lateef, did not anticipate spending any of the days of this year in Police cell. But as you read this piece, she may likely spend either the rest of her life in jail, or even undergo more punishment, depending on the decision of the court.

This is because, she allegedly beat a man to death. But she is not alone in this. Her 19-year-old son, Sunday Lateef is also in the police net for allegedly joining his mum in the fight that sent one Mr Rilawan Bunmi Oguntayo to an unprepared grave.

The suspects, as gathered, engaged the deceased in a fight during an argument around Oja-Oba , Shagamu area of Ogun state. Time was 10.30pm.

Eye witnesses alleged that while Mrs Lateef held Mr Oguntayo’s cloth tight in the neck, her son picked a rechargeable lamp with which he hit the victim on the forehead, thereby resulting in blood gushing out  uncontrollable. The victim was said to have bled to death as there was no immediate help.

His widow, Mrs Oluwaseun Oguntayo who was informed reportedly lodged the complaint at Sagamu division from where Mrs Lateef was  arrested.

But his son , Sunday, according to Ogun State Police image maker, Mr Muyiwa Adejobi, was still on the run, saying effort was still on to arrest him. Meanwhile, the suspect has been transferred to SCID, Abeokuta.