The Lagos State Police Command has dismissed allegations suggesting that Ayomide Adeleye, a murder suspect accused of killing Christianah Idowu, has been released from custody.
In a statement issued on Saturday, January 4, 2025, the command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed that Adeleye remains in detention, having been charged with murder and remanded pending further legal proceedings.
Murder Case Background
Adeleye, a 200-level Philosophy student at Olabisi Onabanjo University, confessed in September 2024 to the murder of Idowu, a 300-level student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Following his confession, Adeleye appeared on November 5 before Magistrate Seyi Omodara at the Ogba Magistrate Court. The court issued a remand order, directing his detention at Ikoyi Prison while awaiting the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) advice to determine the next steps in his trial.
Misinformation Sparks Controversy
The recent controversy arose after a report by the Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) claimed that Adeleye had not been remanded for murder and was instead roaming free. The publication raised public concern and cast doubt on the criminal justice process.
Police Rebuttal
SP Hundeyin, responding to the claims via X (formerly Twitter), unequivocally stated that Adeleye has remained in custody since his remand order was issued. The confusion, Hundeyin explained, stemmed from a mix-up involving another individual bearing the same name.
“We can confirm that Ayomide Adeleye was charged with murder and was remanded for the same offence,” Hundeyin clarified. “It is also a fact that another person bearing the same name was remanded for a different offence and released in April 2024, long before the Ayomide we are talking about committed his offence.”
Criticism of Misinformation
The police spokesperson criticized FIJ for relying on unverified sources rather than official statements.
“An outfit that prides itself on investigation should live up to its name,” Hundeyin remarked. “Relying on ‘sources’ rather than the spokesperson of the Correctional Service would land you in this kind of misinformation.”
Public Reaction
The incident has drawn significant attention on social media, with some criticizing the report for undermining trust in the justice system, while others called for better coordination among investigative bodies to avoid such errors.
Ongoing Legal Process
The Lagos State Police Command assured the public that the case against Adeleye is progressing as required by law. The remand order and the ongoing review by the DPP highlight the commitment of law enforcement to ensure that justice is served in this high-profile case.
This development underscores the need for accurate reporting and reliance on verified sources, particularly in sensitive criminal matters that affect public confidence in the judiciary and law enforcement.
