A major police operation unfolded at Dublin Airport this afternoon as officers swarmed the terminal to arrest a man in his 20s on suspicion of murdering toddler Daniel Aruebose. The suspect had just arrived in Ireland after being deported from Brazil, where he had been living for several years.
Tragic Discovery of Toddler's Remains
The skeletal remains of Daniel Aruebose were tragically uncovered in wasteland off Portrane Road in Donabate, north Dublin, in September last year. Gardaí believe the toddler, who was estimated to be around three years old when he went missing, had died and been buried at the location back in 2021.
Daniel's disappearance only came to light when officials from the Department of Social Protection conducted checks on a social welfare payment related to him and were unable to determine his whereabouts. This prompted a thorough investigation that eventually led to the grim discovery of his remains.
International Police Cooperation
The arrest at Dublin Airport represents a significant breakthrough in the case, made possible through international police cooperation. Brazilian Federal Police officials confirmed they arrested the man last December for deportation, alleging he was in Brazil under what they termed an irregular immigration situation.
This arrest was part of an international operation, with Brazilian authorities maintaining contact with Gardaí throughout the process. The man had been in custody in Brazil since his arrest there in December.
Extradition Challenges Overcome
The successful apprehension of the suspect was particularly significant given the legal challenges involved. Ireland has no extradition agreement with Brazil, and Irish authorities can only extradite individuals from another country for the purpose of charge.
Without the intervention of Brazilian police on immigration grounds, the suspect would have remained out of reach of Gardaí. The deportation on immigration violations provided the crucial pathway for bringing him back to Ireland to face questioning.
Ongoing Investigation
A Garda spokesperson confirmed: "As part of the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of Daniel Aruebose, Gardaí have this afternoon arrested a male aged in his 20s on suspicion of murder. He is currently detained under provisions of Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Dublin Region. Investigations are ongoing."
The man is now being held at a Garda station in Dublin, where he will be questioned by detectives. The investigation continues as authorities work to establish the full circumstances surrounding Daniel's death and burial.
Tributes have been placed near the site where Daniel's remains were found last September, reflecting the community's ongoing grief and the profound impact of this tragic case on the local area.
