The Kwara State Police Command has apprehended seven suspects linked to the murder of Mojisola Awesu, a 21-year-old graduate of the Kwara State College of Health Technology.
Mojisola was found dead in a hotel room after being invited to Ilorin by Adebayo Happiness, a former student of Summit University in Offa, who had paid her N15,000 to pose as his girlfriend at a party. Tragically, her body was later abandoned at a refuse site. She had graduated just three weeks prior to her untimely death.
During a press conference held at the command headquarters in Ilorin on Friday, August 30, State Commissioner of Police Victor Olaiya disclosed the identities of the suspects. The prime suspect, Adebayo Happiness, was arrested alongside his parents—Pastor Adebayo Adeniyi and his wife, Mrs. Bukola Adeniyi—as well as Miss Kolawola Timileyin, who facilitated the connection between Mojisola and Adebayo. The police also took into custody three hotel staff members identified as Adeoye Adeola, Lawal Amina, and Bulus Peter.
CP Olaiya revealed that Adebayo returned to Offa following the crime and attempted to hide evidence, including the victim’s stolen phone, which ended up concealed in his hostel. Additionally, the commissioner noted that both of Adebayo's parents were implicated in efforts to cover up the crime; Mr. and Mrs. Adeniyi reportedly attempted to remove incriminating evidence from their son's possessions at the university.
The investigation uncovered that Mrs. Bukola Adeniyi had removed the SIM card from Mojisola's iPhone and hid it within a wall near their home, contradicting Adebayo's claim of having disposed of the phone in the Afelele River. Both the iPhone and the SIM card have since been recovered.
Further inquiries revealed that hotel staff discovered Mojisola's body in the room where she was last seen and made the decision to dispose of it unlawfully.
CP Olaiya assured the public that all suspects will be charged and face the full extent of the law upon completion of the investigation. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Kwara State Police Command to uphold justice and ensure community safety, promising further updates as the case progresses.