Man Arrested After 3-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Uncovered Septic Tank in Abuja

Man Arrested After 3-Year-Old Boy Drowns in Uncovered Septic Tank in Abuja

Police officers from the Durumi Divisional Headquarters under the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command have apprehended one Philip Jallo in connection with the tragic drowning of a 3-year-old boy in an uncovered septic tank in Durumi 2, Abuja.

The heart-wrenching incident took place on the night of Tuesday, July 16, 2025, around 9:00 p.m. The young child, who was reportedly playing within a residential compound, accidentally fell into the exposed soakaway filled with waste.

According to a statement by FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had been repeatedly warned by neighbours about the dangerous state of the uncovered septic tank but failed to act.

“Preliminary investigation revealed that the uncovered soakaway had long posed a danger to residents in the area,” Adeh said. “Several warnings and pleas were reportedly made by concerned neighbours to the suspect, who failed to take the necessary action.”

The boy was pulled out of the tank and rushed to a hospital, but unfortunately, he was declared dead on arrival.

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Jallo is currently in police custody while further investigations are ongoing. In reaction to the incident, the Commissioner of Police for the FCT expressed profound sorrow and extended his condolences to the bereaved family.

He also issued a stern public advisory, urging residents to take proactive steps in identifying and managing environmental hazards to prevent similar tragedies.

“Parents and guardians must be vigilant and ensure their wards are properly monitored at all times to prevent such needless loss of life,” he stated.

The FCT Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to public safety and vowed to hold accountable those whose negligence endangers lives.