CITIZENS COMPASS– Lagos State Police Command on Friday, said it will intensify efforts to investigate the murder of a missing graduate of the Lagos State University (LASU), whose dismembered body was later discovered within the premises of branch of Celestial Church of Christ (CCC) in the State.
Some students have proposed to protest against the murder.
Spokesperson for the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, reacted to the planned protest in a statement.
“The attention of the Lagos State Police Command has been drawn to a recent publication in The Punch Newspaper captioned “Student Plan Protest Over Missing LASU Graduate,” which highlights concerns raised by the student body regarding the disappearance of a graduate from Lagos State University (LASU). Following a preliminary investigation into the case, the matter is no longer a case of missing person but that of suspected murder. Investigation has been intensified to locate the body of the deceased and uncover the circumstances surrounding his death.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh, has assured the public that the Command is fully committed to resolving the matter and bringing the perpetrators to justice. He emphasized that 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.
“In response to the demands raised by the student body as highlighted in the report, CP Jimoh has instructed that all aspects of the case be thoroughly examined and the concerns of the students and their grievances be looked into. The Command also wishes to clarify that there is no political interference in the investigation, assuring the public that the investigation will proceed unhindered and impartially, in line with the principles of justice and fairness.
“The Commissioner of Police has also appealed to the family, friends, and student bodies to remain calm while the police investigation is carried out diligently. He further calls for restraint from actions that could potentially hinder or interfere with the ongoing investigative efforts.
“To ensure a comprehensive and thorough investigation, CP Jimoh has directed the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to take over the case. The SCID will provide further expertise and additional impetus to the investigation, to expedite the process.
“Currently, among the five suspects into whose accounts money was moved from the victim’s account, three suspects have been arrested and now in police custody:
1. Whepetoji Sunday, a pastor, who received Seventy Thousand Naira from the victim’s account;
2. Sherrif Adebayo, a church member, who received Three Hundred Thousand Naira from the victim’s account.
3. Omolara Ajisomo, the mother of Teniola Ajisomo and Olaoluwa Ajisomo, for aiding her children who got Three Hundred Thousand Naira each escape into Cotonou, Benin Republic.
“Efforts are on to arrest the five fleeing suspects.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Jimoh, assures that the Command will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that those responsible are apprehended and brought to justice. The outcome of the investigation will be made public in the interest of justice.”
The 28-year-old graduate, Ogubode Quadri, was declared missing on January 16, 2025.
Family members and friends have combed everywhere in search of him all to no avail until his girlfriend shared her last conversation with the deceased.
Quadri graduated from the Political Science Education Department of Lagos State University in 2024 and was the CEO of Horlar Edu Consultancy, a private business operating at the LASU Campus.
According to his girlfriend, she called him the day he went missing and he said he was in front of the church, CCC Ileri Oluwa Parish, LASU 2, and would call back later.
Police were said to have visited the church based on the GF narration and the Shepherd denied seeing him on the said day nor knowing about his whereabouts.
Police intensified the investigation, and got his bank statement. They discovered that N1.5m was transferred from the deceased’s account on the day he went missing.
According to Celestial Reality,
a certain amount of money went into the Shepherd’s bank account, his daughter’s own, among others.
The shepherd, Sup. Evang. Whepetoji Babaniyeh initially denied receiving the money but later claimed it was for Thanksgiving when police showed him evidence. This led to his detention for further investigation.
The dismembered body was discovered where it was buried near the church premises.
He was said to be buried under the shepherd’s supervision. Gun and axe were also recovered from the shepherd.
