Key details of FUNAAB student’s murder after ransom paid

The Nigerian Army has arrested Adeleye Ayomide, the prime suspect in the abduction and murder of Idowu Christiana, a 300-level student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), Ogun State.

Christiana was abducted along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road in Lagos State on Monday, August 19, 2024, and her death has since sparked widespread outrage across Nigeria.

Key Arrest Details

Ayomide was apprehended by personnel from the 174 Battalion of the Nigerian Army, according to Lt-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson for the 81 Division.

Ayeni confirmed in a phone interview that Ayomide is in custody and will be handed over to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation and prosecution. “We arrested him, and the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army will be handing him over to the Lagos State Police Command today,” Ayeni stated.

Background of the Incident

Christiana was reportedly on her way to the University of Lagos (UNILAG) for her industrial training when she was kidnapped by suspected abductors.

The kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of N3 million from her family. After negotiations, they agreed to a reduced ransom of N350,000, which the family paid. However, despite the payment, Christiana was not released, raising concerns about her safety.

On Thursday, August 29, the Student Union Government (SUG) president of FUNAAB, Ibrahim Adeyemi, confirmed Christiana’s death. “The union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon,” Adeyemi said in a telephone conversation.

Social Media Outcry

Christiana’s death has ignited a significant reaction on social media, particularly on X (formerly Twitter), where the hashtag #JusticeForChristiana quickly gained traction.

The hashtag has been used in over 90,000 posts as of the time of reporting, with users demanding justice for the murdered student.

One X user, @Tommyjr277, identified Ayomide as a student of Philosophy at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, and accused him of being responsible for Christiana’s death.

Another user, @Letter_to_Jack, detailed the investigation that led to Ayomide’s arrest, stating that intelligence operatives used his phone records and banking details to track him down.

Investigation and Evidence

Intelligence operatives reportedly discovered a mutual relationship between Ayomide and Christiana through their social media interactions.

This relationship, along with phone tracking and other evidence, led the operatives to Ayomide’s location in Ikorodu, Lagos State. Upon arrest, Ayomide is said to have confessed to the crime and provided information about the burial of Christiana.

Efforts to reach the victim’s family for comments were unsuccessful, as calls and messages went unanswered.

The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, also did not respond to inquiries about the case.