Celestial Pastor Arrested for Alleged Murder of Graduate

Investigation Launched: Pastor Accused of Killing Graduate

A Lagos-based pastor, Superintendent Evangelist Whepetoji Babaniyeh of the Celestial Church of Christ (CCC), Ileri Oluwa Parish, has been arrested in connection with the disappearance and alleged murder of 28-year-old Ogubode Quadri Adedamola, a recent graduate of Lagos State University (LASU).

Adedamola, who graduated in 2024 with a degree in Political Science Education and operated a consultancy business on the LASU campus, was reported missing on January 16, 2025. According to his girlfriend, during their last phone conversation, he mentioned being near the CCC Ileri Oluwa Parish and intended to call her back but never did.

Investigations revealed that on the day of his disappearance, a sum of N1.5 million was transferred from Adedamola’s account to accounts linked to Evangelist Babaniyeh and his daughter. Initially, the pastor denied knowledge of Adedamola’s whereabouts and the financial transactions but later claimed the money was a thanksgiving offering.

Further probing led to the discovery of Adedamola’s mutilated body buried near the church premises. Authorities also reportedly recovered a gun and an axe from the pastor.

In response to this tragic event, LASU’s management expressed profound sorrow and called for swift justice. They condemned the act, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations to ensure those responsible are held accountable.

The Lagos State Police Command has yet to officially confirm the arrest, as the State Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, stated he was unaware of the incident when contacted.