Ogun students shut down Lagos-Ibadan Expressway in protest over missing LASU graduate

Students in Ogun State took to the streets on Monday, blocking the Mowe section of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway to protest the disappearance of Quadri Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), Ojoo.

The protesters, under the umbrella of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS), described Ogunbode’s case as a “mysterious disappearance and possible murder” and demanded urgent action from law enforcement.

The demonstration, which lasted over an hour, brought vehicular movement to a standstill. Holding banners and placards, the students chanted protest songs and called on the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, to personally intervene and ensure a thorough investigation into the case.

Ogunbode, a graduate of Political Science/Education from LASU, was reported missing on February 17, 2025, near a Celestial Church in the vicinity of the university. Following preliminary police investigations, two individuals—including the Shepherd in charge of the church—were arrested for questioning. However, the students expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of the probe.

Speaking to journalists after the protest, NAOSS National President, Kehinde Thomas, said the demonstration was a show of solidarity with Ogunbode’s family and a call for justice.

“We, the leaders and members of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Stakeholders in the state, are here this morning with heavy hearts. Heavy hearts, I say, because one of us, a NAOSS member and a graduate of the Lagos State University, Ojoo, Quadri Ogunbode, is missing and probably not alive as we speak,” Thomas stated.

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He recounted that Ogunbode, described as “a forward-looking, hardworking, and cool-headed Nigerian,” vanished moments after a phone conversation with his girlfriend.

“This incident, according to our findings, happened in a neighborhood very close to a Celestial Church around the LASU Community in Lagos,” he added.

Thomas explained that the expressway blockade was a deliberate move to attract the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, who hails from Ogun State, and to demand an independent and expedited investigation.

“We temporarily blocked this busiest expressway in the country in order to draw the attention of the Inspector-General of Police, who is also an indigene of Ogun State, Kayode Egbetokun, to intervene and order a special investigation into the case of the alleged kidnapping and possible murder of Quadri Ogunbode,” he said.

Accusing the police of compromise in handling the case, Thomas insisted that an external intervention was necessary to uncover the truth.

“This call on the IG, who is also a parent, to intervene in the matter had become imperative after police complicity and compromise were perceived. Quadri is a member of NAOSS, hence, we are appealing passionately to the IG to use his office, manpower, and technology to unravel the disappearance of this affable and brilliant LASU graduate.”

He further emphasized that the protest was peaceful and justified, rejecting any claims that the demonstrators were unruly.

“We are not hoodlums, but students who are legitimately demanding justice and saying no to police complicity in this matter.

“As an umbrella body of all Ogun State students, NAOSS cannot sit idly and watch the matter be swept under the carpet. We will not fold our arms and allow Quadri’s matter to join the swelling number of unresolved disappearance or murder cases in the country.

“While we are optimistic that the intervention of the IGP will yield a fruitful result, NAOSS will not relent to continue to explore all legal means to mobilize relevant stakeholders to take action on the matter.”

Expressing concern for Ogunbode’s family, Thomas said the prolonged uncertainty had caused severe distress, particularly for the missing graduate’s mother.

“The anguish and psychological trauma parents of Quadri are going through are better imagined than experienced.

“While we thank members of the press for their efforts in getting to the root of this matter, our association shall not rest until the matter is resolved. Remember, an injury to one is an injury to all,” he concluded.

As the demand for answers intensifies, students and stakeholders continue to press for justice, urging authorities to expedite investigations and bring those responsible to book.

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