A 43-year-old man has been arrested in Sepeteri, Oyo State, for allegedly beating his elder brother to death with a heavy rock because he claimed the deceased shot him in a dream.
Lateef Suleiman, of Alegunlode Compound, Sepeteri, reportedly woke up convinced that his 52-year-old brother, Mustapha Amidu, had attacked him in his sleep while in a dream. According to a statement on Tuesday by Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, rather than shake it off, Suleiman allegedly picked up a heavy rock and struck his brother on the head before fleeing.
The statement read, “One Badmus Yunisa ‘m’ of Alegunlode Compound, Sepeteri, reported that Lateef Suleiman ‘m’, aged 43 years, attacked his elder brother, Mustapha Amidu ‘m’, aged 52 years, following an accusation that the deceased had shot him in a dream while he was asleep the previous night”.
The suspect, allegedly approached the deceased where he was seated, picked up a heavy rock, struck him on the head, and fled the scene immediately.
The victim was promptly rushed to Ileri Oluwa Hospital in Sepeteri for medical attention, where he was confirmed dead by the medical doctor on duty.
Upon receiving the report, a team of Police Operatives led by the Divisional Police Officer, Ago-Amodu Division, visited both the scene of the incident and the hospital as part of preliminary investigative procedures.
The Oyo State Commissioner of Police, Femi Haruna, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and comprehensive investigation.
The commissioner assured the public that justice would be pursued diligently and in accordance with the law.
The tragic incident has shocked residents of Sepeteri in Saki East Local Government Area and raised questions about the suspect’s mental state at the time of the attack. Mental health experts note that inability to distinguish between dreams and reality, especially when accompanied by violent responses, may indicate underlying psychiatric conditions requiring professional evaluation.
The case highlights the importance of mental health awareness and intervention, particularly in rural communities where access to psychiatric services may be limited and traditional beliefs about dreams and their significance may influence behavior.
