Lagos, Nigeria – The Nigerian Army has confirmed the arrest of a suspect believed to be responsible for the death of Christiana Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), who was kidnapped in Lagos.
The arrest was confirmed by Lt-Col. Olabisi Ayeni, spokesperson for the Nigerian Army in Lagos, during a telephone interview on Thursday. Ayeni stated that the suspect, identified as 23-year-old Adeleye Ayomide, has been handed over to the Lagos State Police Command for further investigation.
“We arrested him, and the 9 Brigade of the Nigerian Army has handed him over to the Lagos State Police Command today,” Ayeni said. He advised further inquiries be directed to the police for additional information.
Reports indicate that Christiana Idowu was abducted on Monday, August 19, 2024, along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road in Lagos State. According to a family source, the kidnappers initially demanded a ransom of ₦3 million for her release. However, after negotiations, the kidnappers agreed to accept ₦350,000. Despite receiving the payment, they failed to release the student.
In an update, the Lagos State Police Command confirmed the suspect’s handover. Police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin posted on his official X (formerly Twitter) account: “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.”
The case continues to unfold as authorities work to gather more information and pursue justice for the victim.
