The Edo State Police Command reported on Wednesday that Arthur Angel Jr., a 17-year-old, killed his father, 70-year-old human rights activist Arthur Judah Angel, with a sledgehammer over a monetary dispute in Ugboha, Esan South East Local Government Area.
Angel, known for his advocacy against the death penalty, was killed and buried in a shallow grave behind his house on Sunday.
Chidi Nwabuzor, the command’s spokesman, disclosed that a preliminary investigation revealed that Angel Jr. had threatened his father and ultimately carried out the threat by striking him with a sledgehammer.
Nwabuzor recounted, “On July 15, 2024, at approximately 9:00 AM, the Divisional Police Officer in charge of Ugboha Division received a report from Arthur Angel Jr. about a shallow grave discovered in their backyard.
The DPO immediately mobilised his men to the scene. They exhumed the body and identified it as Arthur Angel. A sharp injury was observed on the back of the deceased’s head. The body was then taken to the Uromi Hospital mortuary.”
He added, “Preliminary investigations indicated that Arthur Angel Jr. had threatened his father multiple times because his father was expecting funds from Amnesty International.
“Believing that the money had been paid, he struck his father with a sledgehammer while he slept.”
Currently, Angel Jr. has been transferred to the homicide section of the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.
Reports indicate that Arthur Judah Angel, sentenced to death in 1986 for a crime he claimed he did not commit, was on death row for nine years.
He later founded Life Wire International Foundation, using it to campaign against the death penalty. Angel travelled to over 15 countries to advocate against capital punishment through his art exhibitions and drawings.
Michael Ihaza, Angel’s cousin, confirmed the tragic incident, saying, “I cannot tell if he had any problems with anyone.
“He won several cases over family land but I don’t know if that caused any issues. He never reported any threats to me. His 15-year-old son, who reported the case to the police, is in custody for questioning.
“However, I don’t believe he was involved in his father’s death. The police narrative suggests the boy is a suspect.”
Ihaza praised Angel’s dedication to humanity, saying, “My late uncle fought for humanity and worked on prison reform. He was a gentleman with no known enemies. We hope the investigation will identify the culprit and bring them to justice.”
