Lagos State police have arrested three people, including a pastor, in connection with the murder of Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU).
The suspects, identified as Pastor Whepetoji Sunday, Sherrif Adebayo, and Omolara Ajisomo, were taken into custody after Ogunbode was reported missing and later confirmed dead. Two other suspects, Teniola Ajisomo and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, managed to escape and are believed to have fled to Cotonou, Benin Republic.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to police reports, Ogunbode was abducted by five individuals, including the arrested suspects. Following his disappearance, money was withdrawn from his bank account and transferred to several people.
Pastor Whepetoji Sunday allegedly received ₦70,000 from the victim’s account, while church member Sherrif Adebayo received ₦300,000. The two fleeing suspects, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, also withdrew ₦300,000 each before escaping.
Omolara Ajisomo, the mother of the two fugitives, was arrested for allegedly helping her sons escape to Cotonou to evade arrest.
Police Confirm Murder Investigation
Initially, the Lagos State Police Command treated the case as a missing person investigation. However, following pressure from LASU students and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), the police confirmed that Ogunbode had been murdered.
Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Moshood Jimoh, clarified that the case had moved beyond a disappearance. “This is no longer a case of a missing person. It is now a case of suspected murder,” he said in a statement on Friday.
Jimoh, speaking through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, assured the public that the police were making progress in uncovering the circumstances surrounding Ogunbode’s death.
He said, “We are fully committed to resolving this matter and ensuring that justice is served. Significant progress has already been made in the investigation.”
Police Call for Calm as Investigation Continues
The police urged Ogunbode’s family, friends, and students to remain calm and allow them to conduct a thorough investigation. “I want to appeal to the family, friends, and student bodies to remain calm while we carry out this investigation diligently,” Jimoh said.
He also dismissed rumors of political interference, assuring that the investigation would be fair and impartial. “There is no political interference in this case. The investigation will proceed unhindered, in line with the principles of justice and fairness,” he added.
To ensure a thorough probe, Jimoh has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case. “The SCID will provide further expertise and additional momentum to the investigation to expedite the process,” he stated.
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Hunt for Fleeing Suspects Continues
Jimoh confirmed that three of the five suspects had been arrested and were in police custody.
He said, “Currently, among the five suspects who received money from the victim’s account, three are in custody. They are Pastor Whepetoji Sunday, who got ₦70,000; Sherrif Adebayo, who received ₦300,000; and Omolara Ajisomo, who aided her sons’ escape to Cotonou.”
The police are still searching for the remaining suspects, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo. “Efforts are ongoing to arrest the two fleeing suspects and bring them to justice,” Jimoh assured.
He also vowed that no effort would be spared in ensuring that everyone involved in Ogunbode’s murder is held accountable. “We will leave no stone unturned in making sure that all those responsible are arrested and brought to justice,” he added.
As the investigation continues, Ogunbode’s family, friends, and LASU students are demanding justice. NANS, LASU Chapter, had earlier planned a protest over what they described as the “cold-blooded killing” of the graduate.
The police have assured the public that updates on the case will be provided as the investigation progresses.