Police now suspect missing LASU graduate was killed

The Lagos State Police Command says it believes the missing 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), Adedamola Ogunbode may have been k!lled and it is consequently turning the investigation into a murder case.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrests in a statement on Friday.

It would be recalled that the state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Joint Campus Council recently threatened to protest over the handling of the investigation.

Ogunbode, a Political Science Education graduate of LASU, had been missing since January 16, 2025, with speculations arising that his mutilated body had been discovered.

Police later clarified that the mutilated body of the missing graduate was not found as speculated on social media.

The police said the investigation was still of a missing person and not murder.

They admitted that a pastor, Whepetoji Sunday,  and two others were arrested in connection with the missing person’s case.

Hundeyin in the latest statement said Whepetoji was held because he allegedly received N70,000 from the victim’s account.

Another person, Sheriff Adebayo, a church member of the held pastor was accused of receiving N300,000.

Also in custody is Omolara Ajisomo, who allegedly facilitated the escape of her children, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, to Cotonou, Benin Republic, after each reportedly received N300,000 from the victim’s account.

Hundeyin clarified that while the case was initially treated as a missing person’s report, it has now been escalated to a murder investigation.

“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,” he stated.

He further assured that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, remains committed to ensuring justice is served.

“The command is fully dedicated to resolving the matter and bringing all perpetrators to justice,” he added.

Addressing concerns raised by students, Hundeyin disclosed that Commissioner Jimoh had directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case for a more thorough probe.

“All aspects of the case will be carefully examined, and the concerns of the students will be addressed,” he noted.

He also urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference, emphasizing that there is no political influence hindering the process.