The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended three suspects—including a university landlord—over the abduction, rape, and murder of two students from Adekunle Ajasin University (AAUA), Akungba Akoko. The victims, 25-year-old Abah John Friday and 19-year-old Okah Andrel Eloho, went missing in late June; their bodies were later discovered in a shallow grave on the outskirts of Akungba.

According to Police Commissioner Mrs. Funke Egbemode, Friday’s landlord, identified as Oladele Femi, confessed to orchestrating the plot and facilitating the concealment of both victims. “He lured Friday under the pretext of settling unpaid rent,” Mrs. Egbemode said, “then colluded with two others to abduct him and Eloho, who had come to visit her friend.”


Investigators recovered CCTV footage showing Femi leaving the students’ hostel with the pair on the night of June 29. Over the following days, the suspects extracted ₦800,000 from Friday’s bank account using his ATM card. “Our forensics team traced the withdrawals to locations in Akure and Ondo town,” the commissioner added.


Authorities allege that Okah was sexually assaulted while in captivity. A medical examination conducted after their bodies were exhumed confirmed signs of recent sexual violence. Police have charged all three suspects, Femi and his two unnamed accomplices—with kidnapping, rape, murder, and conspiracy to conceal a corpse. They are currently held at the state CID headquarters in Akure pending court arraignment.


AAUA’s Vice Chancellor, Professor Adekunle Afolayan, condemned the killings and urged swift justice. “These senseless acts have shaken our campus community,” he said. “We call on the judiciary to ensure that those responsible face the full weight of the law.” Fellow students organized a peaceful vigil on Thursday evening, laying candles and flowers at the university chapel in memory of their fallen colleagues.


The Ondo State Police Command is appealing to anyone with additional information to come forward. Meanwhile, the university has announced a review of its accommodation policies and is offering counseling services to students traumatized by the tragedy.