
Police operatives of Durumi Divisional Headquarters of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have arrested one Philip Jallo, male of Durumi 2, Abuja, over death of a 3-year-old boy in an uncovered septic tank.
Police Spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, disclosed that the arrest was made following a heart-wrenching tragedy which occurred on July 16, 2025, at about 9:00 pm.
She said the 3-year-old boy fell and drowned in an uncovered septic tank (soak away) with feces in a residential compound, allegedly left exposed by the negligence of the suspect despite repeated appeals by surrounding neighbors to cover it.
According to Adeh, the preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soak away had long posed a danger to residents in the area, and several warnings and pleas were reportedly made by concerned neighbours to the suspect, who failed to take necessary action.
She stated that the innocent child was said to be playing within the compound when he tragically slipped and fell into the uncovered soak away. Sadly, the victim was pronounced dead at the hospital after being rescued from the tank.
While the suspect is currently in custody, the Commissioner of Police, FCT, CP Ajao Adewale, expressed deep sadness over the unfortunate incident and commiserates with the bereaved family.
He also urges residents to take environmental safety seriously, while parents and guardians must also be vigilant and ensure their wards are properly monitored at all times to prevent such needless loss of life.