Ondo State Police Command has apprehended a 39-year-old man, Dolapo Babalola, in connection with the brutal murder of his childhood friend, Evangelist Opeyemi Oyelakin, aged 34.
The gruesome incident, which occurred on March 15, 2024, in Ondo town, has sent shockwaves through the community.
According to police reports, Babalola and his accomplice, Sikiru Mutiu, who is currently at large, lured the unsuspecting victim under the guise of inspecting a piece of land in Oke-Igbo, just a few kilometers from Ondo town. Once in the secluded area, Mutiu restrained the victim while Babalola launched a vicious attack, using both a stick and a stone until Oyelakin succumbed to his injuries.
Following the heinous act, the perpetrators callously disposed of the deceased's body in a shallow pit, concealing it with leaves before absconding with his motorcycle. Despite the family's efforts to locate Oyelakin, their concerns grew when he failed to return home, prompting them to file a complaint with the police.
Thanks to diligent investigative work, detectives were able to trace Babalola through the call logs of the victim, ultimately leading to his arrest at his residence in Ondo town. Babalola, upon interrogation, confessed to the crime, expressing remorse and attributing his actions to the influence of the devil.
In a chilling admission, Babalola revealed that while he had previously stolen motorcycles, this was the first time he had resorted to such extreme violence, especially against someone he considered a close friend. The tragic loss of Oyelakin serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of betrayal and criminality within communities.
As the investigation continues and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect intensify, the community grapples with grief and questions about the breakdown of trust and morality. The arrest of Babalola offers some semblance of justice for the victim's family, yet the scars left by this senseless act of violence will undoubtedly linger for years to come.
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