Confessed Killer Ayomide Adeleye Vanishes from Lagos Prisons, Raises Concerns Over Justice
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Ayomide Adeleye, the young man who confessed to murdering Christianah Idowu, his friend and neighbor, is not in any Lagos State correctional facility, despite being remanded for the crime in September. This revelation, originally reported by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ), has sparked widespread concerns about the handling of the case by the justice system.
A Tragic Case and a Legal Mystery
Adeleye, a 200-level Philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ogun State, confessed in September to killing Christianah Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
In November, Adeleye was brought before Magistrate Seyi Omodara at the Ogba Magistrate Court, where a remand warrant was issued for his detention at Ikoyi Prison. The warrant was expected to hold him until advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) was issued.
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However, recent findings by FIJ reveal that Ayomide Adeleye is not in custody, raising questions about the enforcement of the remand order and the status of the murder case.
Findings from the Correctional Service
FIJ’s investigation into the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) records uncovered that while two individuals named “Ayomide Adeleye” had been held in Lagos facilities, neither was charged with murder. Both individuals have since been released.
A credible source within the NCoS stated:
“We had one in Ikoyi and one in Kirikiri Medium, but they are no longer with us. None of them was charged with murder or kidnapping.”
The source further confirmed:
“There is no Ayomide Adeleye in any Lagos prison. The police, who obtained the remand warrant, may need to clarify his status.”
Police and DPP Silence
Efforts to confirm Adeleye’s current status have been met with silence from key authorities. FIJ reached out to Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos State Police spokesperson, but received no response. Muyiwa Adejobi, the Force Public Relations Officer, promised to investigate but has yet to provide further information.
The DPP, responsible for advising on the case, has also not issued any updates, despite inquiries made by FIJ.
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Public Concern and Outcry for Ayomide Adeleye whereabouts
The revelation has sparked outrage among the victim’s family and the public, with many questioning the efficiency and transparency of the justice system.
A legal expert expressed concern over the situation:
“This case highlights a troubling gap in our criminal justice system. If someone who confessed to murder is not in custody, it raises serious questions about accountability and the enforcement of the law.”
The victim’s family has called for urgent clarification and justice for Christianah Idowu. On social media, citizens have rallied under the hashtag #JusticeForChristianah, demanding answers from the authorities.
What Happened to the Remand Warrant?
Police insiders told FIJ that Ayomide Adeleye was initially handed over to Ikoyi Prison after the magistrate’s order. However, procedural delays or lapses in the judicial system may have allowed him to secure release.
One police source said:
“The judiciary is slow in its dealings. The remand warrant doesn’t expire, so it’s unclear how he could have been released for a murder offence.”
Conclusion
The case of Ayomide Adeleye underscores significant lapses in Nigeria’s criminal justice system. Despite his confession to a heinous crime, his absence from Lagos correctional facilities raises serious concerns about the enforcement of justice.
As the public and the victim’s family demand answers, the spotlight remains on the police, the DPP, and the judiciary to clarify the situation and ensure justice is served.
This report is based on findings by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ).
