Renowned legal practitioner and community leader, High Chief (Barr.) Tolu Babaleye, has reacted with deep sorrow and outrage over the confirmed abduction and murder of two students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA): Abah John Friday (25) and Okah Andrel Eloho (19).
The tragic news, confirmed by the Ondo State Police Command, revealed that the students, who were declared missing on June 20, 2025, were abducted, one reportedly sexually assaulted, and both brutally murdered. Even more chilling is the alleged mastermind behind the crime — Mr. Oladele Femi, alias Tallex, the landlord of one of the victims.
“This is more than a criminal act — it is a betrayal of trust and a desecration of everything Akungba stands for,” said Babaleye in an emotional statement issued from his residence in Alara Villa, Akungba.
“Akungba has always been a land of peace, learning, and hospitality. To imagine that a landlord — someone entrusted with the welfare of students — could commit such unspeakable evil is deeply disturbing,” he said.
Babaleye lauded the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of the police, whose forensic investigation cracked the case, and specifically praised the Commissioner of Police, the OC Anti-Kidnapping, and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Akungba for their swift and decisive actions.
He urged the police and judicial authorities to ensure the full weight of the law is brought upon the perpetrators, stating emphatically:
“Justice must not only be done, it must be seen to be done. Let this case serve as a harsh warning to anyone with such evil inclinations.”
While extending condolences to the bereaved families and the entire AAUA community, Babaleye called for urgent security reforms around the university town.
“To the students, parents, and residents of Akungba — I say this: we will not fold our arms. We will work together with security agencies to rid our community of evil infiltrators. Akungba must never be reduced to a haven for terror,” he declared.
In closing, he called for unity, vigilance, and resilience:
“Let us rise as one to defend our community and our students. No town is immune to evil, but we must not allow it to thrive among us.”
He ended the statement with a solemn prayer:
“May the souls of Abah John Friday and Okah Andrel Eloho rest in peace. And may those behind this heinous act face divine and legal justice.”
