Relatives of an 8-year-old boy found lifeless in Ceuta this Monday say they believe the death was not accidental and express confidence that the police investigation will yield answers. The boy’s father, Abdelmalik Abdeselam, along with other family members, spoke to reporters, revealing their shared shock and urge for a thorough inquiry.
Those close to Muhammed Abdeselam noted that a National Police officer discovered the child’s body early yesterday, partly concealed among shrubs near a private residence. In the dim light of Sunday evening, the father did not spot the boy and later realized he had not returned home after 7:00 p.m. immediately preceding the discovery.
Without sufficient data, the father went to the offices of the High Security Directorate to report the disappearance around 1:00 a.m. that night, seeking immediate action from authorities.
A man was walking around the area.
Family members say neighbors warned of a man roaming the neighborhood, who would drive into and depart from an abandoned vehicle near the scene. National Police officers collected testimonies from these residents and seized evidence from the vehicle linked to the person of interest.
On the same day, relatives explained that Muhammed was not at home that Sunday, as he had planned to attend a futsal gathering with friends at a nearby sports center a short distance from the family home. Muhammed Abdeselam was the youngest of four siblings, with two elder brothers aged 18 and 21, and a sister aged 14. He was in the third grade at Severo Ochoa School and described by family and neighbors as a curious and active child who enjoyed school and sports.