Murder Case of University Student Unveiled

 

A tragic incident has come to light involving the murder of Damilola Olowoyo, a 19-year-old student at the Federal University Lokoja in Kogi State. The perpetrator has disclosed the motives behind this senseless act.

 

The primary suspect, Jeremiah Paul, alongside three accomplices—Emmanuel Otitoju, Banabas Olugbenga, and Ajayi Basit Ayomide—was presented to the public by the Kogi State Police Command.

 

During the press briefing, Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, stated that Jeremiah Paul manipulated the victim into a secluded area with the shocking intent of using her for a money ritual.

 

Detailing the investigation, Aya said, “Following a report regarding Damilola’s disappearance, the Commissioner of Police took immediate measures by directing the State Intelligence Department to investigate. They traced her phone for leads, and with high-tech support, Jeremiah Paul was located.”

 

“On September 4, 2024, he met Damilola, portraying himself as a friend, and convinced her to a private location. Deceptively, he spiked her drink with codeine, incapacitating her.”

 

“Once in the secluded area, he tragically ended her life and mutilated her body for ritualistic purposes, taking body parts such as her eyes and lungs. Moreover, he initially demanded a ransom from her parents, collecting N400,000 before committing the murder.”

 

“Further investigation revealed that one of the suspects had approached Damilola first for the same sinister purpose but lacked the means, leading Jeremiah to take over.”

 

The police urged parents and students to be vigilant about their associations, warning against trusting individuals who may appear trustworthy but have ulterior motives.

 

Continuing his appeal, Aya stressed, “Such ruthless acts highlight the danger present in our society. Students must exercise care regarding whom they befriend, as not all individuals in their surroundings have friendly intentions.”

 

He further asserted that this incident serves as a warning to criminals in Kogi State, enforcing that law enforcement is actively pursuing those involved in crime.

 

“We are sending a clear message to all offenders that with the cooperation of the police and the community, Kogi will not be a refuge for criminal activities. Any wrongdoing will face prosecution,” he remarked.

 

Once investigations are finalized, the suspects will be taken to court to face justice.

 

Confession of the Suspect

 

Jeremiah Paul, the main suspect at 20 years old from Kaduna State, confessed to the horrifying crime, stating his intentions were premeditated.

 

In his confession, he revealed, “I came to Kogi to make money. The conversation with Damilola began last Sunday. I intended to use her for rituals, so I mixed codeine with Sprite and offered it to her.”

 

“I consumed it first to avoid raising suspicions. After she became weak, I took her to an abandoned building where I strangled her. I used her clothing to bind her and then transported her to a nearby area to perform the ritual,” he lamented.

 

He continued, “A native doctor in Ibadan instructed me through Tiktok to collect certain body parts for the ritual, sending a driver to transport the materials required. I packaged Damilola’s remains in a calabash to send back to him.”

 

“I reached out to the native doctor after finding his contact online, leading to this tragic outcome.”