The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested a man identified as Philip Jallo, a resident of Durumi 2 in Abuja, following the tragic death of a three-year-old boy who drowned in an uncovered septic tank.
The suspect was taken into custody by operatives of the Durumi Divisional Headquarters following the incident.
The child was said to have slipped and fallen into the exposed septic tank filled with human waste, while playing in the residential compound.
He was eventually pulled out of the tank and rushed to the hospital, where he was sadly pronounced dead.
In a statement issued on Friday, the FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, confirmed the arrest and ongoing investigation into the matter.
“The police operatives of Durumi Divisional Headquarters have arrested one Philip Jallo, male, of Durumi 2, Abuja, following a heart-wrenching tragedy which occurred on July 16, 2025, at about 9:00 p.m., where a 3-year-old boy fell and drowned in an uncovered septic tank with faeces in a residential compound, allegedly left exposed by the negligent suspect despite repeated appeals by surrounding neighbours to cover it,” the statement read.
The Commissioner of Police expressed his profound sorrow over the incident, offering condolences to the bereaved family. He also issued a strong warning to residents to take environmental hazards seriously.
“Parents and guardians must also be vigilant and ensure their wards are properly monitored at all times to prevent such needless loss of life,” he said.
The FCT Police Command reassured the public of its commitment to justice in the matter and vowed to hold accountable any individual whose negligence threatens public safety, especially that of children.
