Lagos State Police have arrested three individuals, including a pastor, in connection with the murder of Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU).
The suspects were identified as Pastor Whepetoji Sunday, a church member named Sherrif Adebayo, and Omolara Ajisomo.
Meanwhile, two other suspects, Teniola Ajisomo and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, managed to escape when they realized law enforcement was pursuing them.
According to police reports, Ogunbode was abducted by a group of five individuals and later killed.
Investigations revealed that Pastor Sunday received ₦70,000 from the victim’s account, while Adebayo withdrew ₦300,000.
Additionally, Omolara Ajisomo was arrested for helping her sons, Teniola and Olaoluwa, flee to Cotonou, Benin Republic.
The escaped suspects allegedly withdrew ₦300,000 each before absconding.
The arrests followed mounting pressure from the LASU chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), which had planned to protest Ogunbode’s death.
Initially treated as a missing person case, the Lagos State Police Command later reclassified it as a suspected murder.
State Commissioner of Police Moshood Jimoh, speaking through the Command’s Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, assured the public that efforts were underway to recover the victim’s body and uncover the full circumstances of his death.
“There is no political interference in this case. The investigation will proceed fairly and without obstruction,” Jimoh stated, urging the victim’s family and students to remain calm while police continue their work.
The Commissioner has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case to ensure a thorough probe.
Authorities also confirmed that efforts were ongoing to track down and arrest the remaining fugitives.
Jimoh reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to justice, promising that all responsible parties would be held accountable, with the findings of the investigation made public.