The prime suspect in the gruesome murder of two Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA) students has mysteriously died while in police custody, authorities confirmed on Friday.
Femi Oladele, popularly known as 'Tallex', who was the landlord of the deceased students, reportedly died following a sudden and brief illness while detained in connection with the kidnapping, robbery, rape, and murder of two 200-level undergraduates.
The victims, identified as Andrew Eloho Okah, 25, and John Friday Abba, 19, were students in the Department of History and International Studies and the Department of Economics respectively at the Ondo State institution.
Confessional Statement Before Death
According to police sources, Tallex had confessed to the crime after his arrest, claiming he murdered the students due to what he described as Okah's "disrespectful attitude" toward him. The decomposing remains of one victim, Okah, were discovered in a shallow grave in a forest bordering Ondo and Ekiti states, which led to Tallex's arrest along with two other suspects.
A source close to the investigation revealed: "He (Tallex) is dead. We were told that he died after falling sick. But what we are still not sure is the actual time and date of his death. We have been hearing that he died about a week ago."
The source added: "But the police is saying that he died yesterday (Friday). It is confusing. Also, some police officers hinted to us that he died in the cell and we are hearing another narrative that Tallex died in a hospital. We actually don't know what is happening."
Police Confirmation
Olayinka Ayanlade, the Police spokesperson in Ondo State, confirmed the sudden death of the prime suspect, stating that Tallex was rushed to the hospital where he eventually died on Friday.
"Oladele (Tallex) had been in and out of the hospital under close medical supervision and was receiving adequate care before he died in the early hours of yesterday (Friday)," Ayanlade explained.
The police spokesperson further clarified: "As of now, the decomposing remains of Okah have been recovered, while efforts are ongoing to locate Abba's body. We are asking members of the public to disregard any distorted narratives seeking to divert attention from the facts, and the Command can assure that justice will be fully pursued and all those involved will be made to face the full weight of the law."
Tallex was reportedly arrested in a hotel after authorities launched an investigation into the disappearance of the students, who were both his tenants.
The case has sent shockwaves through the university community and raised concerns about student safety in off-campus accommodations. Authorities have not yet released information about the two other suspects who were arrested alongside Tallex.
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