Landlord-mastermind of kidnap, murder of two Ondo varsity students in police net

Heartbreaking details have emerged about the tragic deaths of Friday Abah, 25, and Eloho Okah, 19, the two Ondo State-owned Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA) students who went missing nearly 26 days ago.

Police have confirmed that the students, who disappeared on June 20, were abducted and subsequently murdered to conceal the crime.

Police Commissioner Adebowale Lawal announced at a media briefing in Akure on Wednesday that an investigation, launched on June 24 following complaints from the victims’ families, revealed that Oladele Femi, the landlord of one of the students, masterminded the kidnapping.

During the incident, the perpetrators stole an iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims, transferred N800,000 from Abah’s bank account, and took their Lexus RX 350 car.

He said: “Utilising phone tracking technology, the police traced one of the students’ phones to Lagos, where they apprehended a 38-year-old man, Abdul Mohammed Mubarak. Mubarak admitted to buying the iPhone 14 Pro Max from a man named Ojo Michael, who was later caught in Aramoko-Ekiti.

“During questioning, Michael confessed to being part of the crime. He revealed that the plan was led by Oladele Femi, the landlord of one of the students. Femi allegedly planned the kidnapping with the help of Michael and another suspect known as “Kola,” who is still on the run.

“The criminals had planned to rob and extort the students. During the time they held them hostage, they withdrew N800,000 from Abah’s bank account. But when Eloho Okah recognised Michael as someone she knew, the group decided to kill both victims to avoid being caught.

“Their bodies were dumped between Agbado and Ode-Ekiti. Okah’s body has been found and is being examined by doctors. However, Abah’s remains are yet to be found, though we believe he was dumped in a nearby river.

“The students’ Lexus RX 350 car, which was stolen during the incident, has been recovered by the police.”

CP Lawal assured the public that all those involved would face justice, as the police continue their diligent efforts to apprehend the last suspect, “Kola,” and bring closure to the devastating case.

According to Persecondnews, the tragic incident has cast a pall of mourning over the families of the deceased students, the university community, and many Nigerians, sparking renewed concerns about student safety within their environments.