In a shocking turn of events, 70-year-old Arthur Judah Angel, a well-known human rights defender and anti-death penalty advocate, was killed by his 17-year-old son, Arthur Angel Jr., over money. The tragic incident took place on Sunday, July 14, 2024, in Ugboha, Esan South East Local Government Area of Edo State.

Arthur Judah Angel, who had been sentenced to death in 1986 for a crime he claimed he did not commit, dedicated his life to fighting against the death penalty through his Life Wire International Foundation. He traveled to over 15 countries, sharing his message through art exhibitions and drawings.

The Edo State Police Command confirmed the incident on Wednesday, July 17. According to the police spokesman, Chidi Nwabuzor, the investigation revealed that the teenage son had previously threatened to kill his father and eventually struck him with a sledgehammer. The body was discovered buried in a shallow grave behind their house.

On July 15, 2024, Arthur Angel Jr. reported finding the shallow grave. The police exhumed the body and found a sharp injury on the back of Arthur Judah Angel’s head. The suspect has been transferred to the homicide section of the Edo State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

A relative, Michael Ihaza, confirmed the incident, stating that the deceased had not reported any threats to his life. He mentioned that the narrative suggesting the involvement of Arthur Angel Jr. was still under police investigation.

The police are continuing their investigation to ensure that the person responsible is brought to justice.