By IGE ADEKUNLE

The Police Command in Ogun, has confirmed that a 23-year-old apprentice, Jonathan Emmanuel had been electrocuted at a welding workshop at Asimolowo area of Ifo in the state.

The Command?s Spokesperson, CSP Omolola Odutola, confirmed the incident in a statement issued to newsmen in Ifo on Friday.

Odutola explained that the incident was reported at Ifo Divisional Police Headquarters on March 6, 2024, at about 6.00 p.m. by Mr Abah Emmanuel, father of the deceased.

The victim?s father stated that he received information from one Azeez Salami, a truck driver and the deceased?s master, about his son?s electrocution.

According to Odutola, the Ogun Police Command has arrested three individuals in connection with the tragic electrocution of Jonathan, a 23-year-old apprentice, at a welding workshop in the Asimolowo area of Ifo.

?Immediately after receiving the report, police officers were drafted to visit the scene rendering assistance of evacuation to General Hospital, where the attending doctor confirmed the victim was brought in dead.

?Preliminary investigations revealed that Oladokun Johnson, a welder, was working on a container at his workshop, using a welding machine with an exposed live wire.

?At the time of the incident, Olaleye Kamaldeen, the owner of an Iveco truck with registration number T 7146 LA, had arrived with a mini bus carrying about ten truck rims for offloading,? she said.

Odutola explained that while Azeez Salami (truck driver), Olaleye Kamaldeen (truck owner), and Jonathan (victim) were rolling the rims towards the truck, one of the rims came into contact with the exposed wire, resulting in the victim?s immediate electrocution.

She said that following the incident, police operatives recovered the welding machine and exposed wire as exhibits while the welder, truck owner, and driver have been arrested and are currently in custody as investigations continue.

Odutola added that the case will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and possible prosecution.

She said that the Ogun Police Command strongly advises business owners and artisans to prioritize workplace safety measures to prevent such tragic and avoidable incidents. (NAN)