The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a man, Demola Wasiu, for allegedly killing his 27-year-old friend, Lekan Omotosho for refusing to charge his phone.
Wasiu, a bricklayer reportedly stabbed the victim in the armpit after leading to his death.
Policemen from the Lion Building Division were said to have arrested Wasiu, who hails from Ede, Osun State on Saturday and the case was subsequently transferred to the State Department of Criminal Investigation, SDCI, Yaba.
At the SDCI, the suspect begged for forgiveness, saying he never intended to kill his friend.
He said, “All I want is forgiveness. I did not mean to kill him. He was my friend and I have no reason to kill him.
“Please help me beg them to give me another chance. I have no father or mother to assist me,” he added.
Omotosho who was an apprentice in a mechanic workshop on Ajele Street, Lagos Island reportedly died at the Lagos Island General Hospital.
Before the incident, the Punch gathered that the deceased’s boss, Olayinka Oyinloye, had warned him against his friendship with Wasiu after he was arrested for a crime he knew nothing about.
Oyinloye said, “Omotosho came to Lagos from Mowe, Ogun State, three months ago. Just two months ago, the police arrested him while watching over Wasiu’s phone. The problem is that they usually smoke hemp in that place where they charge phones. Throughout the time of his detention, this so called friend did not check on him.
“After I got him out on bail, I warned him against the friendship and cautioned him not to allow anybody put him in trouble.
“On the day of the incident, Wasiu came again and asked him to help him charge his phone and watch over it. Omotosho refused. That was how he became angry and started fighting him.
“Wasiu stabbed him and he fell down and started bleeding.
“People took him to a hospital, while they held Wasiu to prevent him from escaping.
“They took Wasiu to the Lion Building Police Division around 11.30pm. I went to check on Lekan (Omotosho) in the hospital. Around 1am, he died. I went back to the station to report the development to the police. Some of the officers followed me to the hospital to confirm if he was actually dead.”
Deputy Police Public Relations Officer, Damasus Ozoani who confirmed the incidence said investigations were ongoing.
He said, “Yes, it happened. The suspect, Demola Wasiu, stabbed the victim, Lekan Omotosho, with a broken bottle.
“He was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead. The matter is under investigation and the victim’s parents have arrived from Ogun State to recover the corpse from the police after autopsy,” Ozoani added.
