The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a 38-year-old hunter, Joseph Ajegba, for allegedly killing his close friend after catching him in an intimate encounter with his girlfriend.

The tragic incident took place in Ikun-Akoko, located in the Akoko South West Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Ajegba admitted to the crime, stating that he shot his friend after finding him in bed with his girlfriend in a house he had rented for her.

He explained that he had earlier delivered some bush meat to his girlfriend during the day before heading out for another hunting expedition.

However, upon returning to the house later that night, he was shocked to discover his friend in a compromising position with the woman.

Speaking during his parade at the Ondo State Police Command headquarters in Akure, Ajegba said, “I had dropped some bush meat at my girlfriend’s place earlier in the day, then went out to hunt in the evening.

After some drinks, I decided to return to her house to sleep for the night. When I arrived, I found the door locked, so I peered through the window, only to see my close friend, who is also a hunter, in bed with her. In anger and frustration, I fired my gun.”

Ajegba, who was visibly distraught during the parade, added that the event unfolded so quickly that he acted on impulse.

He was armed with a single-barrel gun, which he claims was in his possession at the time of the confrontation.

Under the influence of alcohol and deeply hurt by the betrayal, Ajegba fired at his friend without thinking of the consequences.

The state Commissioner of Police, Mr Abayomi Oladipo, provided additional details during the suspect’s public presentation at the command headquarters.

He explained that the case was initially reported to the police as attempted murder on the night of August 23, 2024, around 11:00 PM.

According to the commissioner, the victim had gone to visit the woman, a divorcee, at her home, unaware of Ajegba’s relationship with her.

“The suspect, Joseph Ajegba, arrived at the woman’s house that same night, armed with an unlicensed single-barrel gun.

Upon seeing the victim in bed with the woman through the window, Ajegba, in a fit of rage, fired at him,” the commissioner recounted.

Mr Oladipo further stated that the suspect fled the scene after the shooting but was later apprehended by the police following an investigation.

The injured victim was rushed to a nearby hospital for treatment, where he is currently receiving medical care.

The police commissioner condemned the suspect’s actions, stressing the importance of handling personal conflicts without resorting to violence.

He reiterated that Ajegba would face the full extent of the law for his actions, as possessing an unlicensed firearm and using it to commit such a heinous act are serious offences.

Other suspected criminals were also paraded alongside Ajegba, with the commissioner emphasizing the ongoing efforts by the Ondo State Police Command to ensure the safety and security of residents.

He called on the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.

Ajegba’s case highlights the dangerous consequences of uncontrolled emotions and the use of firearms in domestic disputes.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, with many expressing disbelief at how a friendship could end so tragically.

Legal proceedings are expected to follow as investigations continue, and the suspect remains in police custody awaiting trial.