The management of Babcock University has threatened legal action against Mrs. Fijabi Omotayo, mother of Oladipupo Siwajuola, over what it described as “misleading and defamatory” claims that her son went missing on campus.
In a statement released Monday and signed by Dr. Joshua Suleiman, the university’s Director of Communication and Public Relations, the institution expressed outrage over a viral Facebook video in which Mrs. Fijabi tearfully alleged that her son disappeared after she dropped him off at school on Sunday, April 27.
The university denied the claim, asserting that Oladipupo, a student of the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme, left campus without official clearance or following due process.
“Contrary to public assertions, the student in question left the university campus unlawfully, without following established protocols or obtaining proper clearance from the university authorities,” the statement read.
Babcock disclosed that unconfirmed reports later placed Oladipupo in Akute, Ifo Local Government Area, near Lagos, where he previously attended secondary school.
The university also alleged that Oladipupo had exhibited “suspicious behaviour,” citing complaints from his roommates regarding his use of traditional black soap, local sponge, and herbal mixtures. These items reportedly violated school rules banning fetish or suspicious materials.
His mother, the university said, claimed the herbal products were for treating a skin condition—a claim that did not sit well with his roommates.
“We believe this may have been a cover for her son’s misdemeanours,” the statement alleged.
Further, the university accused Mrs. Fijabi of obstructing monitoring efforts, claiming she had pleaded with her son’s roommates via WhatsApp not to report his absence to authorities. The school noted that routine room inspections eventually flagged his disappearance.
Babcock said it had referred the case to the police and was awaiting a full report. It confirmed that Oladipupo and any other students implicated would appear before the Student Disciplinary Committee and be given a fair hearing.
While Mrs. Fijabi later confirmed via social media that her son had been found, she offered no details regarding how or where he was located.
The university condemned her earlier statements as damaging and potentially defamatory, warning that further public misrepresentations could prompt legal consequences.
“We reserve the right to seek redress under the law for any reputational damage caused by malicious and unfounded statements,” the statement read.
Reaffirming its commitment to discipline and moral integrity, the university called on parents and guardians to cooperate with institutional procedures.
“We remain committed to nurturing responsible citizens and upholding our legacy as a citadel of excellence and character. We encourage parents to engage constructively rather than resort to public misrepresentation,” it concluded.
