The management of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago – Iwoye, has condemned the alleged murder of Christianah Idowu, a 300-level student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) by Ayomide Adeleye, a 200-level Philosophy student of OOU.
Ayomide and Christianah knew each other having been attending the same church in Ogun State until the alleged brutal end of the latter in the hand of the former.
The Daily Crucible reports that Christianah had left her home in Itaoluwo area of Ikorodu on August 19, 2024 en route the University of Lagos (UNILAG) where she was undergoing industrial training but while the traveling lasted, a treacherous fate brought in a heavy downpour and she decided to seek shelter at Adeleye’s family shop, which was not far from his home.
It was learnt that leveraging on the existing relationship, Adeleye invited the unsuspecting Christianah into his house when the rain delayed to subside and attempted to feel her but when she resisted, he attacked and kìlled her same day.
Following her presumed
disappearance, Adeleye began to contact Christianah’s family using her phone, demanding a ransom of N3 million, which was later pruned down to N350,000.
However, operatives of the 174 Battalion of the Nigerian Army tracked Adeleye down to his Ikorodu residence while trying to further extort money from Christianah’s family and arrested him.
The case has been transferred to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation.
Reacting to the development at the weekend through a statement by Wale Balogun, Ph.D, on behalf of the Head, Corporate Affairs, OOU said it was deeply concerned about the serious allegation against Ayomide Adeleye and condemned the crime in all its entirety.
The university noted that it has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and criminal behaviour, adding that it “will not make further comments on the ongoing investigation as it is a matter for the police and the courts of justice.”
It, therefore, enjoined people to respect the ongoing investigation and allow the justice system to run its course.
The statement also quoted the Vice Chancellor, Professor Ayodeji Agboola, as extending the university’s heartfelt condolences to the family of late Christianah Idowu, asking God to grant them the fortitude to bear the heavy loss.
Prof. Agboola also extended condolences to the entire University community, especially, the students’ populace of FUNAAB.
The statement in full:
“The attention of the Management of Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, has been drawn to the arrest of Ayomide Adeleye, a 200-Level student of the Department of Philosophy in the University, over alleged murder.
“The news of the student’s arrest by law enforcement agents was quite shocking and disturbing, especially given the circumstances surrounding his reported connection to the crime.
“As an institution that has a zero-tolerance policy towards violence and criminal behaviour, the University is deeply concerned about this serious allegation and, therefore, condemns it in all its entirety.
“The University is noted for its serenity, peaceful atmosphere, cult-free activities and academic excellence among its students.
“As a result of the sensitivity of this tragic situation, the University Management will not make further comments on the ongoing investigation as it is a matter for the police and the courts of justice. Everyone is enjoined to respect the ongoing investigation and allow the justice system to run its course.
“Meanwhile, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Ayodeji Agboola wishes to extend the university’s heartfelt condolences to the victim’s bereaved family and pray God to grant them the fortitude to bear the heavy loss. He also extends his condolences to the entire University community, especially, the students’ populace of Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).”