Tragedy as 17-year-old apprentice commits suicide after being accused of stealing N100,000 in Lagos

A 17-year-old apprentice has allegedly committed suicide over an accusation of stealing his master’s N100,000, in his place of work in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.

The police spokesperson in Lagos State, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this on Wednesday.

Hundeyin said that one Cynthia, said to be a sister to the boy, reported the case to Elemoro Police Division on Wednesday at about 7.50 a.m.

The Police spokesperson said the sister narrated that the deceased, Ojibe Chibueze, was last seen about 8 p.m., on March 11, 2024, when he returned from the shop.

She said apprehension set in when he did not return home as expected and her fears were confirmed when she received a telephone call, alerting her of the discovery of the lifeless body of her brother at Abijo bus-stop, Ikorodu.

According to her, “I rushed to the scene and met my brother’s lifeless body.”

An empty bottle of insecticide, suspected to have been gulped by the deceased, was found beside him, according to her.

She further explained to policemen at Elemoro division that “when he came back from work, he took some money and went out.

“Later, his master called and informed us that he stole N100,000 from his shop. Chibueze did not come back home until I received a call that he was found lying dead at Abijo bus-stop.”

“On the receipt of the report, detectives immediately moved to the scene and found the dead body with foam gushing out of his mouth and nostrils. The can of sniper has been recovered as an exhibit. The corpse has been removed and deposited at the Epe General Hospital Mortuary for autopsy and preservation,” Mr Hundeyin said.

He said that investigation into the case was ongoing.