A 14-year-old girl named Joy Afekafez has been arrested by the Niger State Police Command for the murder of Dr Mrs Funmilola Adefolalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, FUT, Minna.
Joy was employed as a housemaid by the deceased. The tragic incident occurred at the residence of Dr Adefolalu in the Gbaiko Area of Minna on Sunday.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Wasiu Abiodun, confirmed the arrest in a statement. According to Abiodun, Joy was apprehended on Monday around 9:00 pm at a residence in the Gbeganu area of Minna on charges of culpable homicide.
During the interrogation, the suspect admitted to working as the deceased’s housemaid for approximately three weeks before being dismissed due to her misconduct in the household.
He explained that after she (suspect) was laid off, she met her classmates called Walex and Smart, narrated her ordeal to them and conspired to attack the Lecturer at her residence.
The statement said, “They went to the residence on Saturday at about 4pm with a motorcycle and she surfaced at the gate, while the lecturer opened the gate for her.
“Walex and Smart later entered, beat the deceased, hit her head with a stool and stabbed her with a knife brought by Walex while Smart took another knife from the kitchen, and stabbed her severally.
“She said the deceased phone and laptop were taken away, while they also removed the battery of the vehicle parked in the compound and fled the scene.”
The PPRO further explained that on Sunday some friends and Church members visited the deceased’s residence in Gbaiko Area of Minna due to inability to get her on the phone.
Meanwhile, the Voice of Mercy Ministry, the church where the deceased was a Pastor, has expressed sadness and shock over the development.
In a statement signed by Pastor Bolaji Olanipekun, Head of Media and Communications, the church said, “This heinous act has left a profound impact on our congregation, and we are united in our resolve to seek justice for our dear pastor.”
The church called on the security agencies involved in the case to leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice.
“We urge them to conduct a thorough and impartial investigation, ensuring that all evidence is diligently examined and all leads are followed.
“The loss of Pastor Dr Mrs Fumilola Adefolalu has left an indelible void within our church. Her unwavering faith, compassion and dedication to serving others will always be remembered.”