Two of the four suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Lagos State University (LASU) graduate Adedamola Ogunbode have been remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Service in Ikoyi, Lagos.

The suspects include 51-year-old Sunday Whepetoji, the shepherd in charge of the Celestial Church of Christ, Ileri-Oluwa Parish, Ojo, and Sheriff Adebayo. Their remand followed the expiration of their detention warrants, which were not renewed by a Lagos Magistrates’ Court in Yaba.

The police had sought a court order to continue holding the suspects as investigations progressed. However, the court directed that they be transferred to the Ikoyi Correctional Centre.

Adedamola’s body was exhumed last week from a shallow grave by homicide detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, two months after he was declared missing. Investigations revealed that he was murdered and buried near the church by his killers, who also stole his phone and transferred N1.8 million from his bank account.

According to reports, the deceased had informed his girlfriend on 16 January that he was visiting the church, allegedly at the invitation of the pastor. He was never seen again.

Further investigations revealed that Adebayo transferred N70,000 from the stolen funds to the pastor’s personal account. Unknown to the suspects, Ogunbode had been on a call with his girlfriend when he arrived at the church, revealing his location before his disappearance.

Following complaints from his family, detectives apprehended Whepetoji, who denied ever meeting the victim. The case, initially reported at Ojo Police Station as a missing person’s case, gained traction after the new Commissioner of Police in Lagos, Olohundare Jimoh, ordered a thorough investigation.

A few days later, the SCID arrested three suspects, including Sheriff Adebayo, identified as the prime suspect who allegedly ordered Ogunbode’s execution, and 25-year-old Ajisomo Olaoluwatomi, who is still being interrogated. Three other suspects, including one Teniola, remain at large.

Of the stolen N1.8 million, Adebayo transferred N70,000 to the cleric and N300,000 to Olaoluwatomi. The police are continuing their investigation to apprehend the remaining suspects.