The Lagos State Police Command has arrested Evangelist Whepetoji Babaniyeh, the shepherd of the Celestial Church of Christ, LASU II Parish, along with two others in connection with the disappearance of a former Lagos State University (LASU) student, Adedamola Ogunbode.
Confirming the arrests, police spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin stated that the church has been sealed off as part of the ongoing investigation. He noted that while Ogunbode’s fate remains unclear, the church was secured to prevent an attack after reports surfaced that some residents planned to set it on fire.
“The church was sealed based on intelligence reports indicating a possible arson attempt. It remains a suspected crime scene, and we may need to revisit it multiple times to gather evidence,” Hundeyin explained.
He further disclosed that three suspects, including the pastor, are currently in custody at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), with efforts underway to apprehend five more individuals, two of whom are reportedly outside the country.
Ogunbode, a 28-year-old LASU graduate, was last seen on January 16, 2025, after leaving his business centre, Horlar Edu Consultancy, on the LASU campus. Investigators turned their attention to the church after Ogunbode’s girlfriend revealed that he had called her upon arriving there on the day he went missing.
During the investigation, police discovered that ₦1.5 million had been transferred from Ogunbode’s account on the day of his disappearance. The receiving account was linked to the church’s shepherd, his daughter, and two others. Initially, Babaniyeh denied receiving the funds but later claimed the money was a thanksgiving offering after being confronted with bank statements.
Following this revelation, the cleric was arrested on January 31, with the case initially reported at the Ojo Police Division before being transferred to the SCID in Panti, Yaba.
Contrary to circulating reports, the police have not confirmed the discovery of Ogunbode’s body. Speaking to The Guardian, his brother, Ademola Juwon Taiwo, dismissed claims that his remains had been found.
“It’s fake news. My brother is still missing, and the police have not made any such announcement. The prophet is being held because he knows the individuals accused of kidnapping him,” Taiwo stated.
The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities urging the public to await official updates.
