Connect with us

society

I deserve death, but I beg for a second chance – Teenager admits after killing church mate

Published

on

I deserve death, but I beg for a second chance – Teenager admits after killing church mate

I deserve death, but I beg for a second chance – Teenager admits after killing church mate

 

 

 

If 23-year-old Ayomide Adeleye, a 300-level philosophy student of Olabisi Onabanjo University, OOU, had known the far-reaching implications of killing a fellow human being, he would have opted to remain poor.

The lanky black complexioned young man who resides with his parents in Ikorodu in Lagos  is now cooling his head inside the cell of Lagos state Police Command Tactical Unit, Ikeja.

He bemoaned the fate that befell him, lamenting that after his arrest, he tried to cut his fingers with any sharp object so that he would bleed to death but for the vigilant security agents that stopped him.

His story:

“I was born in Surulere Local Government area in June, 2001. My parents later relocated to Ikorodu where we have our own house. I have three siblings. One of them is late. I am the first son, and my father is a boat driver. Before I was born, he and my mum worked at Eko hotel. So, I think due to their marriage, one of them had to stop working. When he stopped, my mum was still there until 2011. I attend the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

How it happened

 

“I had not been at home for over six months. The victim, Christiana Idowu, 18, contacted me several times in school where I was studying Philosophy, in 300 level. She had been contacting me that she wanted to repair her phone because I had repaired it for her before.

How did you meet her?

“We were church members. I had known her for three years before the incident. She had been contacting me and I told her I would be at home at the end of the session. When I came back to Lagos, she called and I told her I was at home. She came to our house around 5pm on the day of the incident and asked me to repair her phone. She was an Industrial Training, IT, student in Yaba College of Technology. She came with a bike. She had her bag and other things she used in school. So, when she arrived, I collected the phone from her, looked at it, and I discovered that the phone only had battery problem and the screen was faulty. I just needed to put gum on the screen and change the battery. But she was not ready to change the battery, she just wanted to continue using the phone like that.

Why did you kill her?

“I killed her because I had financial problems. I thought of the problems and decided to strangle her while she was busy going through my phone. I then called her mother claiming that she was kidnapped and she should pay ransom. I didn’t really pounce on her. She was preoccupied with my own phone. Then, it was drizzling, and a little noisy, so, I just grabbed her, applied pressure. She started struggling. She didn’t really shout because I already suppressed her. I then squeezed her throat and she gave up. I placed her body on a seat and took her picture so that I could send it to her mother. I didn’t send it immediately, I just left her at the shop like that. That was around 5:30 pm on Monday night. I left her on the seat and went to plan how to dispose of the body. By 11 p.m. that same night, I started to dig her grave in a small farm behind our compound. Luckily, rain fell that day, so the ground was a little soft. I dug using shovel. I was not able to dig deep that night. So, I postponed the digging. The body was still in the shop. By 4 am the following day, I woke up, I continued digging. Honestly, I did not close my eyes till day break. I was just filled with thoughts about what I did. I then took the body to the shallow grave only to notice that it could not be covered well. I thought of what to do because I was really tired of digging. I had blisters on my hand and the shovel I used had already broken. So, I thought of chopping off her head to make it easy to bury but I did not have the courage to do that. I just had to continue digging even if the shovel broke, I continued to dig until the shallow grave could contain her. I then buried her, covered it with sand. Everything happened before 5 a.m. Then I left the scene to contact her mother and demanded ransom.”

 

How did you get the mother’s number?

“It was on the daughter’s phone. Luckily, she did not have PIN number or pass code. I recognized her mother’s face on her profile picture. I then called and the first thing I said to her was, “Hello, madam. we have your daughter.” The next thing she said was “who be this?.” Maybe she thought it wasn’t for real. Then I sent a text message telling her same thing. I sent it with the picture where she was sitting on a chair. She asked me, “What do you want?” I told her, “madam, how much do you have?” I spoke to her. I wrote everything in Pidgin. She said, “I don’t have any money. I am a single mother.”

I said, “Madam, just bring anything.” She said she didn’t have, I said; “bring three million to release your daughter.” I know for a fact that she didn’t have three million. Even if she did not have that amount, I was ready to collect any amount because I desperately needed money no matter the amount. After going back and forth with her, she said she was able to get N350, 000.00 and I gave her a sporty bet account to pay the money in order to avoid being traced. That was three days after I buried her daughter. She sent the money there, but, I was unable to withdraw at first because Sporty bet had this rule that once you deposit, you have to play at least a game before you can withdraw. I tried to withdraw but they locked the fund. Then, they asked me to present my NIN for verification. I sent it to them, and they released the money. They didn’t release it until three days later.

“ I then asked the mother again, “madam, how much can you pay again? She said the money in her account wasn’t up to N10, 000.00. I said, just hurry, hurry, put it together and send. “She sent it to her daughter’s account making the whole money N360, 000.00 paid as ransom. After that, I stopped all communication with the mother. But, before they sent the money, they were telling me that they wanted to actually see a video or voice confirmation of the girl but the girl was no more. It was only that picture I took that I was able to send. So, I just kept on pushing them. I used the money to take care of my personal and family financial problems.”

How did the police arrest you?

 

“It was not police, I was picked up by soldiers. They told me it was through my Sporty bet because I uploaded my NIN so it was traced. If I had not uploaded my NIN, it would just be an empty account. But the moment I uploaded my NIN, all my personal details, my location, my address, my name, everything, was already on the sporty bet. The girl’s phone was also with me, they could have traced the location of the phone, that was how they got my location.”

How do you feel now that you have taken somebody’s life over peanuts?

“Even before I was arrested, Christiana was somebody that I had known for over three years, and we were close friends. I regret that I killed her because my mum and her mum were friends.”

Have you ever had any mental issues that landed you in the hospital?

“I wouldn’t say that it landed me in the hospital, but I am always alone. I don’t like associating with anybody.”

 

What was the last word she said before you took her life?

“She was focusing on the TikTok video. She did not say anything. In fact, when that incident happened, my cell phone dropped from her hand.”

Now, what do you want to be done to you?

“I don’t deserve any mercy for what I have done. At the same time, I ask God to forgive me. What I did was totally wrong and I regret it. I feel remorseful for what I have done. If there’s any way I could be given a second chance, I want to be given one but I deserve death, honestly. I have been planning to kill myself. While I was in the guard room, I tried to look for any sharp object to cut myself so that I would bleed to death.”

 

 

Continue Reading
Advertisement

society

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

Published

on

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

 

The City of Brampton has recognised Alhaji Ibrahim Dende Egungbohun for his remarkable contributions to a transformative initiative designed to empower women through essential skill-building for independence and self-reliance. This formal acknowledgment took place on August 15, 2025, in Mayor Patrick Brown’s office during a visit from the Africa Made Economic Growth Initiative (AMEGI) team. Represented by his wife, Mrs. Omolara Egungbohun, Alhaji Dende received the certification amidst an atmosphere of gratitude and celebration. Mayor Brown presented the certificate personally and extended his commendations to the IBD Foundation for their relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment, development, and their philanthropic efforts.

The Certificate of Recognition underscored Egungbohun’s unwavering dedication and tireless efforts to create diverse opportunities for women to enhance their skills, develop their potential, and ultimately prosper in their personal and professional lives. As a philanthropist, esteemed businessman, and influential social figure, his impact in Nigeria and beyond is both profound and far-reaching.

Egungbohun’s generosity and steadfast commitment have significantly bolstered the confidence of program participants, facilitating their ability to envision and construct brighter futures while strengthening community ties. In his acknowledgment, Mayor Brown stated, “Your dedication uplifts those working to inspire others,” highlighting the deep and lasting influence of Egungbohun’s work in empowering women.

Mayor of Brampton Honours IBD Foundation

This initiative is not just a standalone effort; it harmonizes perfectly with Brampton’s broader mission to advocate for and uplift marginalized groups within the community. Egungbohun’s contributions serve as a vital catalyst for transformative change, offering practical skills that enhance employability while reshaping the economic and social framework for women. Through an assortment of workshops, mentorship programs, and robust support networks, he has fostered an encouraging environment where women can fully explore and realize their potential.

As Brampton steadfastly commits itself to promoting inclusivity and equity, leaders like Egungbohun exemplify how collaboration, vision, and genuine enthusiastic engagement can effectively turn hopes and aspirations into tangible realities. The public acknowledgment from the city not only honors individual efforts but also sends a resounding message, inspiring other community leaders and stakeholders to step up and invest in grassroots empowerment initiatives that uplift and serve those in need. This recognition is a clarion call for collective action toward a more equitable and inclusive society.

 

Continue Reading

society

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Published

on

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

 

Tayo Folorunsho, renowned youth ambassador and edutainment advocate, has been officially nominated to be decorated as a Celebrity Special Marshal (CSM) of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

The unveiling took place at the recently concluded FRSC Youth Hangout, held in celebration of the United Nations International Youth Day at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

 

Over the years, Tayo Folorunsho has distinguished himself as a passionate youth leader, consistently driving initiatives that inspire and empower young people. His recognition as a Celebrity Special Marshal is not only a mark of honor but also a call to responsibility—championing road safety, responsibility, and positive change within society.

 

Tayo Folorunsho Nominated as Celebrity Special Marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps

 

Speaking on the recognition, Tayo Folorunsho emphasized:

“This is more than an honor; it is a responsibility to use my voice and influence to promote safety, responsibility, and positive change on our roads.”

 

This milestone reinforces his commitment to youth empowerment, social responsibility, and nation-building through edutainment and advocacy.

Continue Reading

society

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

Published

on

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

In a country where road accidents claim thousands of lives each year—most of them young people—the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) and Edutainment First International have launched a bold new initiative to change the narrative. On Thursday, August 14, both organizations hosted the maiden Road Safety Youth Hangout at the National Judicial Institute, Abuja.

 

FRSC Partners with Edutainment First International to Drive Road Safety Awareness in Nigeria

 

The event, held to mark United Nations International Youth Day 2025, brought together more than 300 participants, including members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), students, youth leaders, and community representatives. Unlike traditional road safety campaigns, the hangout was designed as an interactive forum blending education and entertainment, where young Nigerians could learn, innovate, and commit to safer road practices.

 

 

According to FRSC data, young people remain the most vulnerable demographic in road traffic crashes across Nigeria—an urgent concern this initiative aims to tackle. Through storytelling, innovation, and collaborative problem-solving, the Road Safety Youth Hangout sought to transform young Nigerians into advocates for safety within their communities.

 

 

“This is not just about rules and regulations,” said one of the organizers. “It’s about equipping young people with the tools and the voice to change Nigeria’s road culture.”

 

Aligned with the UN’s 2025 theme, “Local Youth Actions for the SDGs and Beyond,” the program underscored the critical role of young Nigerians in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those connected to health, safety, and responsible citizenship.

 

 

By focusing on empowerment rather than enforcement, FRSC and Edutainment First International signaled a fresh approach to road safety: investing in the next generation as the real drivers of change. The belief is simple yet powerful—an informed and empowered youth population is key to reducing accidents and saving lives.

 

 

For many participants, the hangout was more than just an event; it was a wake-up call. With interactive sessions infused with music, drama, and dialogue, young Nigerians were challenged to reflect on their daily habits as road users and to embrace leadership as advocates for safer communities.

 

 

As one youth participant reflected:

“Road safety isn’t just the job of the FRSC. It’s our responsibility too—because we are the ones most at risk.”

 

The maiden edition of the Road Safety Youth Hangout may have ended, but the movement it launched has only just begun. Its message was unmistakable: Nigeria’s fight for safer roads must be youth-led, collaborative, and relentless.

Continue Reading

Cover Of The Week

Trending