Pastor apprehended for allegedly killing varsity graduate

The hopes of 28-year-old Ogubode Adedamola, a Lagos State University (LASU) graduate, to participate in the upcoming April 3rd, 2025 convocation have been shattered following his alleged murder by a pastor.  

Reports indicate that the suspect, Evangelist Whepetoji Babaniyeh, has been arrested by the police. However, Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated that he was unaware of the arrest.

Adedamola, a 2024 Political Science Education graduate and CEO of Horlar Edu Consultancy, a private business on the LASU campus, went missing on January 16, 2025.

His girlfriend, who preferred anonymity, revealed that he last contacted her while in front of CCC Ileri Oluwa Parish, LASU 2, promising to call back—but never did.

The Police were said to have visited the church based on his girlfriend’s account. But the pastor reportedly denied seeing Adedamola that day or knowing his whereabouts.

In the course of investigation, the Police were said to have obtained his bank statements where it was discovered that N1.5 million was transferred on the day he went missing.

Further findings by the Police revealed that part of the money was transferred into the Pastor and his daughter’s bank accounts.

Some students of LASU who spoke with Vanguard via telephone, said the suspect initially denied receiving the money, but later claimed it was for a Thanksgiving offering, after the police showed him evidence of the transaction. This led to his detention for further investigation.

The body of the LASU graduate was discovered to have been buried near the church premises. A gun and an axe were reportedly recovered from the Pastor.