AKUNGBA AKOKO, Ondo State – July 27, 2025 – The Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has been plunged into fresh mourning following the gruesome murder of Joy Adeyemi, a female student from the Department of Human Kinetics. Her decaying body was discovered after neighbors were alerted by a pungent odor emanating from a residential area. Authorities suspect her boyfriend, whose identity remains undisclosed, killed her and locked her inside his room since Tuesday.
This latest tragedy comes mere weeks after two other AAUA undergraduates, Andrel Okah and John Abbah, were allegedly abducted and murdered by alleged hoodlums, reportedly led by a local landlord, Femi Oladele, who later controversially died in police custody. While Ms. Okah’s body has since been recovered, police continue their search for Mr. Abbah’s remains.
Confirming the new incident, Olayinka Ayanlade, the Public Relations Officer for the Ondo State Police Command, stated that Ms. Adeyemi’s body has been deposited at the morgue. He announced that police have made significant progress, with three suspects already arrested in connection with the murder. Efforts are intensifying to apprehend a “fleeing suspect” believed to be involved.
“The Ondo State Police Command urged all law-abiding citizens of the state, especially the student community, to remain calm and cooperate with us as we ensure that justice is served,” Mr. Ayanlade wrote in a statement.
The student community at AAUA is not taking the development lightly. On Saturday, students staged a peaceful protest, denouncing the killings that have plagued their institution. Protesters carried placards bearing messages such as, “At Akungba Akoko, say no to students killing,” and “Stop killing us, AAUA students,” while chanting solidarity songs.
Salami Akeem, President of the AAUA Student Union Government (SUG), lamented the recurring violence, particularly the killings of students allegedly by individuals known to be local indigenes. He expressed the profound shock felt by the institution, which was still reeling from the murders of Ms. Okah and Mr. Abbah when Ms. Adeyemi’s death occurred. Akeem issued a strong warning, stating the union would initiate a major protest if Ms. Adeyemi’s killer is not swiftly brought to justice.
The Joint Campus Committee of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has also condemned the “dastardly act,” joining the chorus of calls for security agencies to ensure the perpetrator faces the full wrath of the law.
