The Lagos State Police Command has refuted claims that Adedamola Ogunbode, a 28-year-old graduate of Lagos State University, was killed for ritual purposes, stating that he remains missing.
Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin, responding to inquiries on Wednesday, confirmed that Ogunbode was reported missing but denied that his mutilated body had been found, contrary to social media reports.
“A report was made to the police that the said graduate was missing, and three suspects were arrested, including a prophet,” Hundeyin said. “However, the police did not discover any mutilated body of the missing graduate as being circulated on social media. He is still missing, and we are investigating a case of a missing person, not murder. There is no dead person anywhere.”
Meanwhile, LASU’s management has expressed concern over the disappearance of Ogunbode, calling for justice.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, Deputy Registrar and Coordinator of the Centre for Information and Public Relations, Oluwayemisi Thomas-Onashile, described the incident as tragic and urged security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation.
“The university management is deeply saddened to learn of the tragic circumstances surrounding the disappearance of Ogunbode, a recent graduate of LASU,” Thomas-Onashile stated. “He was allegedly killed by a prophet in the Ojo area of Lagos State, reportedly for ritual purposes.”
According to the university, Ogunbode, a graduate of Political Science Education, was last seen on January 16.
The statement further claimed that security agencies’ investigations suggested his body had been found buried within the premises of a popular church in the area.
While condemning the alleged act of violence, the university urged authorities to ensure justice is served.
“The prophet of the church has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their investigation,” Thomas-Onashile added. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who knew him. His untimely disappearance is a terrible loss to the entire university community, and we share in the grief of all who are mourning.”
She also encouraged students to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities, emphasizing that the university remains committed to ensuring the safety of its students.
