A 400-level student of the Department of Microbiology, University of Lagos, Adeniyi Ogundijo, died shortly after writing his final year exams, and it was alleged that he committed suicide.

Men of the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba are currently investigating the circumstances that led to his death. While some people claim the deceased committed suicide over his poor academic performance, his friends claim that he was killed by unknown persons.

One of the coursemates of the deceased who spoke anonymously to Punch said the results of their examination were released as they prepared for their graduation.

“We have a Whatsapp group chat and a course mate broke the news on the platform. The course mate had spoken to a relative of Niyi (Ogundijo), who said she lost her brother. The course mate asked to see his photo. Lo and behold, it was him. Although we got the news yesterday (Monday), we learnt he died on Saturday. A family member said he was with his friends when the incident happened. We also learnt that he had yet to return home since we finished the final exams.

“We have seen the results of all our papers. There are insinuations that he took local insecticide, Sniper. He was probably killed and those who did it made it appear like he committed suicide. Two of his friends have been arrested by the police. To the best of my knowledge, Niyi was a good student. He interacted well with people and had no reason to kill himself.”

A family member of the victim, who also spoke on condition of anonymity, said Ogundijo was on a Cumulative Grade Point Average of 2.2 (Second Class Lower), adding that he did not know the result of the final exams.

“I don’t know where people got the idea that my brother committed suicide because he failed some courses. Why should he wait till his final year to do that? I have been in worse situations. I know my brother was a loner and could be quiet, but it did not mean he was depressed. I spoke to him this week and we had a good conversation. There was no issue with the family or anybody at all. About five of his friends have been arrested over this. Although I don’t know about the results of their final exams, his CGPA was 2.2 before the incident happened.” the relative said

A text message purportedly circulated by the Office of the Dean of Students Affairs, Prof. Ademola Adeleke on the death of the undergraduate reads

“I am saddened to confirm the untimely death of Mr Ogundijo Adeniyi Samson, of the Department of Microbiology with Matric no. 140807008. We have spoken to the father, who confirmed the death. He, however, declined to give additional information on the cause, nature or time of death. The DSA is arranging a condolence visit to the family. Kindly stop the speculation on the cause of death”.

Also speaking on the death of the undergraduate is the Principal Assistant Registrar, Communications Unit, University of Lagos, Mrs Taiwo Oloyede, who said the cause of death is yet unknown. She added that the victim died outside the campus.

“The cause or nature of his death is not known. Here at the University of Lagos, our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we wish eternal rest for the soul of the departed”.

Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of the Lagos state police command, Chike Oti, said investigation carried out so far by the police, shows that the deceased died after consuming Sniper.

“The deceased was a student who normally visited his friend from time to time. His friend and uncle lived in the same house. He had gone on the visit as usual when the friend and uncle later went out. By the time they returned to the house, they found him dead with an empty container of Sniper. However, the police are looking at a possible case of murder. Forensic investigation is being carried out on his corpse. Meanwhile, the uncle and friend are in our custody.” he said

The Islamic movement of Nigeria aka Shiites, has alleged that about 50 of its members were killed by security agents along the Nyanya-Keffi expressway yesterday Monday October 29th.

In an interview with Channels TV, a member of the sect group, Mohammed Gamara, said about 200 members of the sect were injured.

“So far, I don’t have the exact number of the casualties and the martyrs but if we say they are more than 50, killed by the Nigerian Army, I don’t think I will be exaggerating,” Gamara said.

The sect members were said to have clashed with the security operatives while they embarked on a march in Abuja. The incident led to a gridlock which lasted for hours along the Nyanya-Keffi expressway forcing many to make their way by foot.

Police in the Ashanti Region have arrested a man for attempting to marry off his 15-year-old daughter, a junior high school student who runs the risk of losing access to an education.

Abdulai Abass, who allegedly connived his 30-year-old in-law to perpetuate the crime, is in custody at Kenyasi–Abirem in Ashanti Region.

“The marriage should not come on, I am only a child and I want my education,” the girl said

She stated that her parents, who had ignored her cries for an education, told her she had to get married to a man from Niger.

A collaborative effort between police and the Domestic Violence and Victim Support Unit (DOVVSU) ended the marriage midway through its three-day ceremony.

DSP Prince Kodua of the regional office of DOVVSU said: “the law clearly states a girl can only marry at the age of 18 thus both families are culpable and they are going to face justice.”

He added that the girl has been given protective shelter while investigations are ongoing.

A teacher who wanted to remain anonymous told Joy News that child marriages in Abriem are not uncommon.

“Since I came to the town I have seen not less than six of these young girls being given away for marriage and there are a lot I have not seen,” he said.