In a chilling development, Adeleye Ayomide, a 23-year-old student from Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), has been arrested by the Nigerian Army for his alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of Christiana Idowu, a 300-level student of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB).
The arrest was made following an investigation that linked Ayomide to the crime, sparking nationwide outrage and a social media storm under the hashtag #JusticeForChristianah.
The Arrest
Ayomide, who was apprehended by the 174 Battalion of the Nigerian Army in Ikorodu, Lagos State, was handed over to the Lagos Police Command on September 5, 2024.
According to reports, the investigation began when Christiana was kidnapped along the Ikorodu-Yaba Road on August 19, 2024.
Authorities were able to track Ayomide through his mobile phone and social media activities, revealing a disturbing connection between him and Christiana through Instagram interactions.
A History of Violence
Ayomide’s arrest has unearthed disturbing revelations about his alleged past crimes. Social media users have drawn attention to his possible involvement in two previous murders: his ex-girlfriend in 2018 and his sister in 2020.
Both victims were reportedly buried at his family’s home, a pattern that has raised questions about whether his family may have had knowledge of his actions.
As more details emerged, users on X (formerly Twitter) were quick to express their outrage. Some referred to Ayomide as a “serial killer” and questioned why his past crimes had not been thoroughly investigated. Many have called for swift justice, with some suggesting the death penalty for his alleged heinous acts.
Public Outcry
The hashtag #JusticeForChristianah has gained momentum on social media, with thousands of Nigerians demanding that Ayomide face the full weight of the law. Tweets highlight the shocking nature of his alleged crimes, with some suggesting that Ayomide’s family should also be held accountable for covering up his past murders.
Public figures, including activists and influencers, have joined the conversation, calling for a thorough investigation and justice for all the victims linked to Ayomide.
One user, @MrMekzy, expressed disbelief, tweeting, “Killed his own sister, his ex-girlfriend, and now Christiana. This man is a danger to society. #JusticeForChristianah.”
Another, @Shola_Konka, pointed to Ayomide’s troubling associations online, stating, “The Incel community is a cancer, turning loneliness into hatred of women, leading to femicide. #JusticeForChristianah”.
Ongoing Investigation
The Lagos Police Command has confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with authorities working to gather more evidence and unravel the full extent of Ayomide’s alleged crimes.
Lagos Police spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that Ayomide was handed over to the police after being arrested by the Army, and that his phone contained incriminating evidence, including Christiana’s phone and bank details linking him to the crime.
A Nation in Shock
This case has gripped the nation, raising concerns about the broader issue of gender-based violence in Nigeria. Ayomide’s arrest comes at a time when the country is grappling with growing incidents of femicide, and the public is demanding more accountability from law enforcement.
The tragic deaths of Christiana, Ayomide’s ex-girlfriend, and his sister highlight the devastating impact of unchecked violence and the urgent need for justice. Nigerians continue to watch closely as the investigation unfolds, with hopes that the victims and their families will finally receive justice.
