In a heart-wrenching turn of events, Christianah Idowu, a 21-year-old undergraduate student from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), met a tragic end after being abducted while travelling to her industrial training in the Yaba area of Lagos.

Even though the Lagos State Police Command’s spokesperson SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye, the murder suspect has been handed over to the force by the Nigerian Army 9th Brigade attachment, the incident continues to send shockwaves through the southwest of the country particularly. It highlights the growing concerns over security and the safety of students.

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According to SP Hundeyin tweeting via X, the handover took place today, September 5, 2024, at about 1400hrs.

Late Miss Idowu, a promising 300-level student, was reported missing on 19 August 2024. She was on her way to Yaba for her industrial training, a crucial part of her academic journey. Her sudden disappearance left her family and friends in a state of panic.

23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye has been handed over to @LagosPoliceNG by 9 Brigade @HQNigerianArmy. The handover took place today, September 5, 2024, at about 1400hrs.

Investigation is ongoing. https://t.co/Vr3dI2yoEk pic.twitter.com/vvJf3UFprP

— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) September 5, 2024

The initial search efforts yielded no results, and the situation took a darker turn when her abductor reportedly used WhatsApp to demand a ransom of ₦3million from her family.

Ransom request

The ransom demand added a layer of complexity to the already distressing situation. The Idowu family, desperate to secure her safe return, managed to gather and pay ₦350,000, a reduced amount negotiated with the kidnapper.

Despite their efforts, the situation did not improve.

The family’s hope for her safe return was shattered when it was revealed that she had been killed by her abductor, Ayomide Adeleye, a 200-level student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU).

Who alleged perpetrator is

Ayomide Adeleye, who has been described by several media outlets as Miss Idowu’s ex-boyfriend, was arrested in connection with the crime. Cell phone triangulation had led to his arrest by army officers who tracked him to his parent’s residence in Ikorodu town where the deceased also lived.

Investigations done so far have revealed that Adeleye had a history of violent behaviour and was allegedly involved in similar incidents in the past.

Gruesome details of the deceased’s last moments sparked outrage and led to calls for justice across social media platforms, with the hashtags #JusticeForChristianah and later on, #StopKillingWomen trending to demand accountability.

The tragic death of Christianah Idowu has elicited strong reactions from the public and notable figures. One of these was the pop star Adekunle Gold, taking to X to call on men to confront abusive behaviours and redefine masculinity by holding each other accountable.

Men, true strength is not about staying silent but about standing up to your friends who abuse, rape, or demean women. Let’s redefine masculinity by holding each other accountable. #JusticeforChristianah

Gold’s poignant message resonated with many, emphasising the need for societal change to prevent such tragedies in the future.

Men, true strength is not about staying silent but about standing up to your friends who abuse, rape, or demean women. Let's redefine masculinity by holding each other accountable.#JusticeforChristianah

— BIG FISH 🦈 (@adekunleGOLD) September 5, 2024

Similarly, comedian and actor Woli Arole’s advice to young women to be cautious in their relationships sparked heated debates online.

Ladies don’t fornicate around, don’t carry Sugar Daddy, don’t follow one boyfriend away for a weekend, don’t date BOYS you know that are doing Fraud!!!. Be careful. Beware. Study your Bible, PRAY. Give your life to Christ. Your destiny is more than SX and MONEY, the comic partly wrote on his Instagram.

While some appreciated his intentions, others criticised him for seemingly placing the responsibility on women rather than addressing the root causes of such violence.

Justice must be served

As the investigation continues, there is a growing demand for justice for Christianah Idowu. Her death has highlighted the urgent need for improved security measures, particularly for students who are often vulnerable to such threats.

The authorities have assured the public that they are committed to ensuring that those responsible for this heinous crime are brought to justice.

The abduction and murder of Christianah Idowu is a stark reminder of the dangers that young people, especially students, face in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of addressing security challenges and fostering a society where such tragedies are prevented.

As the community mourns this light that has been snuffed out early, the call for justice and systemic change grows louder. Miss Idowu’s story is a tragic testament to the need for vigilance, accountability, and a collective effort to create a safer environment for all.

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Ayodele Johnson

Ayodelé is a Lagos-based journalist and the Content and Editorial Coordinator at Meiza. All around the megacity, I am steering diverse lifestyle magazine audiences with ingenious hacks and insights that spur fast, informed decisions in their busy lives.