The Lagos State Police Command has apprehended two individuals in connection with the abduction and murder of a 17-year-old Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) candidate, Thompson Adams, in the Ikorodu area. The arrests were confirmed by the state Commissioner of Police, Fatai Tijani, during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Ikeja.
Details of the Arrest
According to reports, the suspects, identified as Elijah Emmanuel, 23, and Tony Ogenata, 21, were taken into custody on Monday evening, April 27, following intelligence-led operations. The victim was attacked on April 22 while returning from his examination center. Investigators believe Adams was lured to the suspects' residence, where he was killed.
Police Findings
Commissioner Tijani stated: "On April 27, 2026, at about 20:00 hours, operatives of the command, acting on credible intelligence, traced and arrested suspected kidnappers at Lucky Fibre, Ikorodu, Lagos. The suspects are Elijah Emmanuel, 23, and Tony Ekwen Ogenata, 21. Criminal investigation revealed that the suspects are linked to the kidnapping and gruesome murder of Thompson Adams, aged 17, which occurred on April 22, 2026. The two boys went out with their friend, Adams, who was their secondary schoolmate. Along the line, they murdered him."
The body was later concealed in a bag and disposed of within the community. The incident has raised concerns among residents, especially since the victim was known to the suspects.
Previous Crime Uncovered
Further interrogation revealed an earlier incident involving a female victim in November 2025. According to police, the suspects allegedly abducted the woman and demanded a ransom from her family. Commissioner Tijani added: "Investigation revealed that they had earlier kidnapped and murdered a female victim on November 30, 2025. The victim was a girlfriend of one of them. They contacted her parents and demanded ransom." The family paid N300,000, but the victim was still killed after the payment.
Next Steps
Authorities have assured that the suspects will be charged to court after investigations are concluded. The case adds to growing concerns over violent crimes involving young people in parts of the state. Security agencies have urged residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
