Ondo Police Arrest Landlord, Others Over Murder Of AAUA Undergraduates

The Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a landlord and two other suspects in connection with the abduction and murder of two students from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA)—Abah John Friday, 25, and Okah Andrel Eloho, 19.

Speaking during a press briefing in Akure on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, the state’s Commissioner of Police, CP Adebowale Lawal, confirmed that the victims were kidnapped on June 20, and investigations have since revealed a planned and gruesome crime.

The decomposed remains of Okah Eloho were discovered last week near the Ondo-Ekiti border, while search efforts are ongoing for Abah’s body, believed to have been dumped in a river by one of the suspects still at large.

According to the police, Oladele Femi, the landlord of the male victim, confessed to initiating the crime, working alongside two accomplices—Ojo Michael and another suspect identified as “Kola”, who is currently on the run.

CP Lawal said that investigators were able to trace an iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims to Computer Village in Lagos, leading to the arrest of Abdul Mohammed Mubarak, who admitted to buying the phone from Michael. Further investigation led to Michael’s arrest in Aramoko-Ekiti, where the victims’ Lexus RX 350 was also recovered.

During interrogation, Michael confessed to being part of the kidnapping, robbery, and murder, adding that the female victim was sexually assaulted. The suspects allegedly killed both students after Okah recognized one of them, fearing they might be exposed.

Lawal added that ₦800,000 was withdrawn from Abah’s account during his captivity. The suspects disposed of the victims’ bodies in different locations to conceal their crime.

The police commissioner described the case as a disturbing example of premeditated violence, betrayal, and moral decay. He assured the public that efforts were ongoing to locate the remaining suspect and recover the body of the male victim.

“This is a heartbreaking case. These were young, promising individuals whose lives were cut short in the most horrific way. We are committed to ensuring that all those involved are brought to justice,” Lawal stated.