The unsettling disappearance and suspected murder of Adedamola Ogunbode, a recent graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), has triggered a wave of apprehension and calls for justice, prompting a comprehensive investigation by the Lagos State Police Command. Ogunbode, who completed his Political Science Education degree in 2024, vanished on January 16, 2025, with unsettling rumors circulating about the discovery of his mutilated body. The case, initially treated as a missing person report, has rapidly evolved into a suspected homicide investigation, drawing significant public attention and raising concerns about the safety and security of students in the area.
The police, in response to mounting pressure and planned protests by the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council (NANS JCC), have made significant strides in their investigations. Three individuals have been apprehended in connection with the case: Whepetoji Sunday, a pastor allegedly linked to a N70,000 transaction from the victim’s account; Sheriff Adebayo, a church member accused of receiving N300,000 from the same account; and Omolara Ajisomo, whose two children, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, are suspected of fleeing to Cotonou, Benin Republic, after each reportedly received N300,000. While the police have not explicitly linked these financial transactions to Ogunbode’s disappearance, they form a crucial part of the ongoing investigation. The search for the two Ajisomo siblings remains active, with the police collaborating with international authorities to secure their return and ascertain their potential involvement in the crime.
The Lagos State Police Command, under the leadership of Commissioner of Police Olohundare Jimoh, has reassured the public of its unwavering commitment to uncovering the truth behind Ogunbode’s disappearance and bringing the perpetrators to justice. Recognizing the sensitive nature of the case and the growing public anxiety, CP Jimoh has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the investigation, ensuring a more focused and specialized approach. This move signifies the seriousness with which the police are treating the case and aims to instill confidence in the public regarding the thoroughness and impartiality of the investigation.
The police have acknowledged the concerns raised by the student body and assured them that all aspects of the case will be meticulously examined. They have also emphasized their commitment to transparency, promising to keep the public informed about the progress of the investigation and its findings. This commitment to open communication is crucial for maintaining public trust and addressing the growing anxieties surrounding the case. Furthermore, the police have actively refuted allegations of political interference, emphasizing that the investigation will proceed without bias, guided solely by the principles of justice and fairness.
Despite the arrests and ongoing efforts, the investigation remains shrouded in a degree of uncertainty. The most pressing question remains unanswered: the location of Adedamola Ogunbode’s body. The police have stated that locating the deceased and determining the exact cause of death are their top priorities. The discovery of his remains would be a crucial step in piecing together the events that led to his disappearance and providing closure to his grieving family and friends. It would also offer invaluable forensic evidence that could strengthen the case against the suspects and help to establish a clear timeline of events.
The Adedamola Ogunbode case highlights the persistent challenges of safety and security, particularly for young people in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of robust law enforcement, judicial transparency, and community vigilance in addressing such tragic incidents. As the investigation continues, the public anxiously awaits answers, holding onto the hope that justice will be served and that the perpetrators of this heinous crime will be brought to book. The case also serves as a somber reminder of the need for continued efforts to create a safer and more secure environment for all citizens. The police have reaffirmed their commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of justice for Adedamola Ogunbode, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the prevailing uncertainty and grief.
