Three men have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command in connection with the electrocution of a 23-year-old apprentice, Jonathan Emmanuel, at a welding workshop in the Asimolowo area of Ifo.
Those arrested were a welder, Oladokun Johnson, who was using a welding machine with exposed live wire; the deceased’s master, Azeez Salami, who also a truck driver; and Olaleye Kamaldeen, who is a truck owner.
The command’s spokeswoman, CSP Omolola Odutola, in a statement on Friday, March 7, said that the incident was reported at Ifo divisional headquarters on March 6, at about 6p.m., by the father of the deceased, Mr. Emmanuel Brown Abah.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the father told the police that he received information from Salami about his son’s electrocution.
“Immediately after receiving the report, police officers were drafted to the scene to assist in evacuation to General Hospital, where the attending doctor confirmed the victim as Brought In Dead (B.I.D).
“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, the owner of an Iveco truck with registration number T 7146 LA, Lagos), Olaleye Kamaldeen, had arrived with a mini bus carrying about 10 truck rims for offloading.
“While Salami (truck driver), 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.
“Following the incident, police operatives recovered the welding machine and exposed wire as exhibits.
“The welder, truck owner, and driver have been arrested and are currently in custody as investigations continue.
“The case will be transferred to the SCID for further investigation and possible prosecution,” the PPRO stated.
The police command advised business owners and artisans to prioritise workplace safety measures to prevent such tragic and avoidable incidents.
