Lagos – The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three individuals and is actively searching for five more in connection with the suspected murder of Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU).
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the arrests on Friday, following public outcry over the handling of the investigation. The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council had earlier announced plans to protest delays in the case.
Ogunbode, a Political Science Education graduate, was reported missing on January 16, 2025, with unverified reports later suggesting that his mutilated body had been found.
Among those arrested is Whepetoji Sunday, a pastor accused of receiving N70,000 from the victim’s account. Also in custody are Sheriff Adebayo, a church member who allegedly received N300,000, and Omolara Ajisomo, who reportedly helped her children, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, flee to Cotonou, Benin Republic, after they each received N300,000 from Ogunbode’s account.
The case, initially handled as a missing person’s report, has now been upgraded to a suspected murder investigation, with police working to locate Ogunbode’s body and determine the exact cause of death.
Lagos Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, assured the public that the police are fully committed to ensuring justice. He has ordered the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case for a more thorough probe.
“There is no political interference in this investigation, and it will proceed unhindered and impartially,” Jimoh emphasized.
Authorities have urged the public to remain calm and patient as the investigation unfolds, promising that findings will be made public in the interest of justice.
