The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of Adeleye Ayomide, the individual believed to be responsible for the brutal murder of Idowu Christiana, a 300-level undergraduate at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Christiana was abducted by suspected kidnappers along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road in Lagos State on 19 August 2024.
A family source, who wished to remain anonymous, revealed that the abductors initially demanded a ransom of N3 million in exchange for the student’s safe release.
However, after repeated pleas, the abductors agreed to accept N350,000, which was transferred to their account, but they reneged on their promise to free the kidnapped student.
Lt-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson for the 81 Division Nigerian Army, confirmed Ayomide’s arrest in a telephone interview, saying, “Yes, I am aware of the situation. We apprehended him, and the 9 Brigade Nigerian Army will be handing him over to the Lagos State Police Command today, so you can liaise with them for further information.”
Ibrahim Adeyemi, President of the Student Union Government at FUNAAB, also confirmed Christiana’s tragic demise, saying, “The union can confirm that she was reportedly killed by her abductor. We will be addressing the matter soon.”
Christiana’s untimely death has sparked widespread outrage, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), with the hashtag #JusticeForChristiana trending with over 90,000 posts. Users have pointed accusing fingers at Ayomide, demanding justice for Christiana’s heinous murder.
One X user, Tommy (@Tommyjr277), tweeted, “Our friend, Christiana, has been tragically murdered; a Funaabite abducted by this Ayomide, a student of Philosophy in OOU, Ogun State. We demand justice for our friend. The suspect is reportedly being held at 174 Battalion in Ikorodu. We demand justice. He must face the full force of the law.”
Another user, Man of Letters (@Letter_to_Jack), tweeted that Ayomide confessed to Christiana’s father and military operatives that he had killed and buried the victim, according to “detailed reports from trusted sources.”
