Police arrest man for ‘negligence’ in 7-year-old son’s death in Anambra

The Anambra police command says its operatives have arrested Alfred Bassey over alleged negligence in the death of his seven-year-old son.

In a statement on Friday, Henry Okoye, the police spokesperson in Anambra, said the arrest follows an investigation into the sudden death of a minor at a construction site along the Trans-Nkisi layout in Onitsha.

“Police operatives attached to the 3-3 divisional headquarters today, 13th December, 2024, by 9:30 am, arrested one Alfred Bassey (M), aged 40 years and native of Abi in Cross River state,” the statement reads.

“Preliminary investigation reveals that the father of the victim forcibly took the minor from the mother and has been living with him in an uncompleted building at Trans-Nkisi Layout, Onitsha.

“Furthermore, on Dec. 11, 2024, the lifeless body of the child was found in a soakaway pit dug in the abandoned, uncompleted building after the suspect left the child for an unknown destination.

“The body of the child was later recovered and taken to the hospital before he was confirmed dead by a doctor.”

He said Nnaghe Itam, the commissioner of police in the state, urged parents and guardians to prioritise the well-being of their children and wards regardless of any differences they may have with their spouses.