The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that its investigation regarding the disappearance of Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), has escalated into an active murder case, with three suspects taken into custody and a manhunt underway for five additional suspects linked to the murder.
The disappearance of Ogunbode, a Political Science Education graduate, was reported on January 16, 2025. As speculation surrounding his disappearance grew, reports emerged that his mutilated body had been found.
The Police Spokesman, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that three individuals had been taken into custody in connection with the case, while five others are currently wanted by the authorities.
The police action followed public outcry, including a protest threat from the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC) over the handling of the case.
After Adedamola’s disappearance subsequent to attending the CCC church led by Whepetoji Sunday on January 16, 2025, those apprehended and those currently evading capture allegedly obtained considerable sums from his account.
Among those arrested is Whepetoji Sunday, a pastor who allegedly received ₦70,000 from Ogunbode’s account.
Also, Sheriff Adebayo, a church member, is being detained for allegedly obtaining ₦300,000 from the victim’s account.
Furthermore, law enforcement officials arrested Omolara Ajisomo, who is accused of assisting her children, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, in fleeing to Cotonou, Benin Republic, after they allegedly received ₦300,000 each from the victim’s account.
According to Hundeyin “Significant progress has been made in the investigation, and all efforts are being directed towards locating the body of the deceased and determining the exact cause of death.
The command is fully committed to resolving the matter and bringing the perpetrators to justice.”
He indicated that the Commissioner of Police, Jimoh, who was visited by officials of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, regarding the matter, has directed the takeover of the case by the Criminal Investigation Department to ensure a thorough investigation.
According to Hundeyin “All aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined, and the concerns of the students will be looked into”.
He confirmed that the investigation would proceed without any political interference, unhindered and impartially, in accordance with the principles of justice and fairness.
He also assured that the findings of the investigation would be made public.
