Idow Christianah, a young woman declared missing on August 19, 2024, was the victim of a calculated abduction. The kidnapper had reached out to her family using her own WhatsApp account, sending distressing images of her in captivity and demanding a ransom of N1.5 million.
In an attempt to secure her release, Christianah’s family raised N350,000, which they transferred to a betting account as instructed by the abductors. However, the ordeal took an unsettling twist when the kidnappers, after receiving the ransom, requested a copy of the sender’s bank statement. Though Christianah’s family complied on August 23, all communication from the kidnappers abruptly ceased.
An intense investigation by law enforcement officials followed. It was uncovered that the ransom money had been transferred to Christianah’s GT Bank account and subsequently withdrawn into a Wema Bank account linked to Adeleye Ayomide, a 200-level student at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU). By August 26, authorities began tracking the financial movements across both accounts. Just days later, on August 29, the identity of the main suspect was confirmed through the BVN associated with the betting account, revealing that Adeleye Ayomide had already withdrawn N100,000 before the betting company locked the account.
Further investigation uncovered a personal connection between Christianah and her abductor through their interactions on social media, notably Instagram. Ayomide’s mobile phone was traced to his parent’s home in Ikorodu, prompting the deployment of military personnel from the 174 Battalion to make an arrest. Upon searching his phone, investigators found incriminating evidence, including access to Christianah’s phone, bank records, and correspondence with her family regarding the ransom demands.
This case highlights not only the terrifying rise of kidnapping incidents and one-chance incidents in Lagos but also the critical role that technology and financial tracking play in apprehending criminals. Authorities continue their investigation.
There is also a new story awaiting further confirmation that in 2018, the suspect’s ex-girlfriend was killed in the same manner. Also in 2020, the suspect’s biological sister met the same fate. Follow us for further updates as this case develops
