By Ghazali Ibrahim 
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested three suspects and is currently searching for five others linked to the murder of Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU).
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.
The development comes after the state chapter of the National Association of Nigerian Students Joint Campus Council planned to protest the handling of the investigation, as reported by PUNCH Metro.
Ogunbode, a Political Science Education graduate of LASU, had been missing since January 16, 2025, amid speculation that his mutilated body had been found.
Among those arrested were Whepetoji Sunday, a pastor who allegedly received N70,000 from the victim’s account; Sheriff Adebayo, a church member accused of also receiving N300,000; and Omolara Ajisomo, who allegedly helped her children, Teniola and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, escape to Cotonou, Benin Republic, after each received N300,000 from the victim’s account.
Reports shown that the parents of the student believed their child to be missing as against the widely spread news on the murder. They shown their grievances and frustration during a recent show hosted by Oriyomi Hamzat, CEO of Ibadan-based radio station, Agidigbo FM.
Hundeyin clarified that the case, initially treated as a missing person’s report, was now a suspected 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 added.
The state Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, assured the public of the command’s commitment to ensuring justice. “The command is fully committed to resolving the matter and bringing the perpetrators to justice,” he said.
In response to concerns raised by students, Jimoh directed the State Criminal Investigation Department to take over the case to ensure a more thorough probe. “All aspects of the case will be thoroughly examined, and the concerns of the students will be looked into,” Hundeyin noted.
The police spokesperson also urged the public to remain calm and allow the investigation to proceed without interference. “There is no political interference in this investigation, and it will proceed unhindered and impartially, in line with the principles of justice and fairness,” he assured.
Hundeyin reiterated that the Commissioner of Police had stressed the commitment to ensuring that all those responsible would be arrested and prosecuted, leaving no stone unturned in the process. The statement added that the police findings would be made public in the interest of justice.
