The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims that 28-year-old Lagos State University (LASU) graduate, Adedamola Ogunbode, was killed in a ritualistic murder.
Benjamin Hundeyin, the police spokesperson, clarified on Wednesday in response to inquiries from PUNCH Metro that Ogunbode was reported missing, but no evidence of a mutilated body has been found, contrary to reports circulating on social media.
He further confirmed that three suspects, including a prophet, had been arrested in connection with the case.
Hundeyin explained, “A report was made to the police regarding the disappearance of the graduate, and three suspects were arrested, including a prophet. However, no mutilated body of the missing individual has been discovered. We are currently investigating a case of a missing person, not murder.”
The university management had previously called for justice after rumors spread that Ogunbode had been killed by the prophet.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Deputy Registrar of LASU, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, shared the university’s distress over the loss, mentioning that investigations had pointed to the deceased’s alleged death, with claims of his body being found buried in the compound of a local church.
The statement read, “The university is deeply saddened by the tragic death of Ogunbode, a recent graduate in Political Science Education. He was reported missing since January 16. It is alleged that he was murdered by a prophet for ritual purposes.”
Thomas-Onashile condemned the act and called for swift action from the authorities to bring those responsible to justice. She confirmed that the prophet was assisting the police in their investigation.
“The safety and security of our students remain our top priority, and we will continue to work closely with law enforcement to ensure the safety of our campus,” she added.
The university extends its condolences to Ogunbode’s family and encourages the LASU community to stay alert and report any suspicious activity to authorities.
