To the already long list of Nigerian States which have allowed the death penalty as ultimate sanction for ritual killers – see my March 6 post – we should add Ogun State. The following article is chrystal clear: people are fed up with the terrorism of unscrupulous ritualists, cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, etc.
The author of the article presented below, Eli Jah Udofia, writes that “Since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria about 26 years ago, it is on record that no Nigerian governor has signed and ordered the execution of condemned criminals despite being empowered by the nation’s constitution.” He continues, with (quote) “Refusal or unwillingness to sign execution orders have no doubt contributed to the high rise of heinous crimes that most often led to loss of lives because in a situation where the Biblical “an eye for an eye” injunction is not followed to the letter and where justice is not seen to have been served, it emboldens criminals to commit more heinous crimes, “after all nothing go happen”. Unquote
The capital punishment as deterrent or as revenge?
Whatever the answer to this question, I – personally – am not convinced that the execution of condemned ritual murderers will significantly decrease the number of murders for ritual purposes (‘money ritual’) in Nigeria.
What is needed is an educational campaign aimed at eradicating superstition, in combination with the rule of law, respecting international agreements and human rights. (webmaster FVDK)
Background information:
Ogun State is located in the South West geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Nigeria is divided into six geopolitical zones commonly called zones). With a surface area of 16,762 km2 Ogun State ranks 24th (out of 36 states) and with a population of about 7 million people in 2024 it occupies the 13th position.
Published: March 11, 2025 By: Eli Jah Udofia – Independent, Nigeria
There is no doubt that killings and acts of killings have become the order of the day in Nigeria. Apart from death in the hands of terrorists, the lives of Nigerians are daily been cut short by ritualists, cultists, kidnappers, armed robbers, etc.
From the North to the South, East to West, it is one killing after the other. It is either husband killing his wife or the wife killing her husband; father killing his daughter or son killing his mother. It so appalling that one begins to wonder when the country became a jungle, where life is so cheap. Even in the jungle, animals do not kill each other for the fun of it except for food and defending territories.
In Nigeria today, killing has become a hobby or a pass time for some people. While ritualists kill and harvest body parts for money making rituals, some kill to take possession of the deceased property. Others, like cultists, carry out revenge killing or kill to show superiority while others kill for ransom.
About two years ago, the media, both traditional and new, was awash with the story of how a boy who resides in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, connived with his friends, killed his girl-friend and used the head for money ritual purposes after disposing the body by burning. Sometimes one begins to wonder the benefits of these senseless killings or is it that humans have lost their humanity?
Also in Ogun State, in the middle of last year, three Indians and a Nigerian were kidnapped along the Ijebu- Ode-Ore road but were lucky to be rescued by men of the Nigeria Police. Similarly, not too long ago, the wife of Retd. Assistant Inspector General of Police, Mrs. Folasade Odumosu, was kidnapped on her way to work and the sum of N40m demanded for her release.
Apart from kidnapping, cult related killings are also rampant in places like Abeokuta, the State capital, Sagamu and Ijebu-Ode. Cultists reign of terror saw the killings of rival members and sometimes cut short the lives of innocent people.
The question now is, when did Nigeria and Nigerians descend to this abysmal low in morality? Can this be attributed to exposure to modernity, technology or influence of social Media? What really went wrong in the past few decades that people no longer regards life as sacred?
Though the Nigeria’s legal system is noted for undue and prolong delays in delivering justice, it has also made some landmark judgements especially in cases involving murders and the likes by passing death sentences on those who took other people’s lives.
On the third of February, 2025, an Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, sentenced he trio of Lekan Adekanbi, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi to death by hanging for the murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife, Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023.
The Fatinoyes were attacked at their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a crossover church service. Led by their driver, Adekanbi, the assailants broke into the home around 2 am, murdered the couple and set both their bodies and the house on fire.
Not done, the attackers also tied up their son, Oreoluwa, along with an adopted son, before throwing them into the Ogun River. While Oreoluwa unfortunately lost his life, the adopted son miraculously survived.
After their arrest by the police, Adekanbi, in an interview with journalists, admitted spearheading the attack, citing his employers’ refusal to increase his salary or grant him a loan request.
Many Nigerians observed with dismay that death row inmates remain in prisons for years, living off taxpayers’ money after the death sentence had been passed on them. Concerns have also arisen over the government reluctance to sign execution orders—a trend that has left many death row inmates languishing in correctional facilities indefinitely.
Since the return to democratic rule in Nigeria about 26 years ago, it is on record that no Nigerian governor has signed and ordered the execution of condemned criminals despite being empowered by the nation’s constitution. This act is quite contrary to what obtained during the military era where Military Administrators or Governors approved execution once the death sentence was pronounced by competent Courts.
Refusal or unwillingness to sign execution orders have no doubt contributed to the high rise of heinous crimes that most often led to loss of lives because in a situation where the Biblical “an eye for an eye” injunction is not followed to the letter and where justice is not seen to have been served, it emboldens criminals to commit more heinous crimes, “after all nothing go happen”.
Disturbed by this ugly trend and the need to eradicate incidences of violent crimes like kidnapping, cultism, ritual killings and the likes as well as ensure that victims of these crimes get justice, the State government is considering a drastic action by looking at the death penalty option through signing Death Warrants of those sentenced to death by competent Courts.
The State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), gave this indication and expressed concern on the increase in criminal activities in recent times in the State.
According to Mr. Ogungbade, government is ready to take the bull by the horns by implementing the law by signing the Death Warrants.
He observed that despite the proactive measures put in place by security agencies in tackling crimes, there appears to be an upsurge particularly in ritual killings, adding that government has identified the wrong perception that there will be no repercussions when some of these crimes are committed to be the root cause.
“I can tell you that we are looking seriously at this as a means of sending across a message that Ogun State is not a place where you can come and commit such serious crimes and get away with it.
“It is part of the duty of the governor to sign Death Warrants and I am certain that when he took that oath of office, he took it knowing full well the responsibilities that come with it and he is a governor that uphold the rule of law so I can assure that in deserving cases, he will not shirk away from that constitutional duty.”
Ogungbade believes that if somebody has gone through the process of fair trial, made use of all his appeals, then “we will begin to look seriously at implementing those judgements hoping that it will serve as a deterrent to those who still intend on carrying out such crimes. But in doing so, I can assure you that we will be systematic about it, we will not be reckless about it.”
From time immemorial, society has always found a way of dispensing justice and death penalty has always been a way of ensuring that those who commit serious crimes especially the ones that involve human lives pay dearly for them.
It is often said that “drastic situation requires drastic solution” and since criminals have decided not to heed several warnings of Governor Dapo Abiodun, who on many occasions, advised them to turn a new leaf, then it is time for them to begin to face the hangmen’s noose.
Early December 2024 there was a tsunami of articles focusing on the nexus prostitution – missing girls – ritual killings. The facts are horrifying. Young women between the age of 20 and 32 are most likely to be the victim of ritualistic killers.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, even mentioned a number of ten young women disappearing daily in the southwestern state, one of Nigeria’s 36 states. She blamed the ‘hookup culture’ of facilitating the disappearances and ‘money rituals’, as murders for ritualistic purposes are being labeled in Nigeria. (webmaster FVDK)
Ogun State Police link missing girls, ritual killings to hook-ups
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Vanguard, Nigeria
The Nigeria Police Force has linked many cases of missing young women to ritual practices, with a growing connection to the rising hook-up culture in the country.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, revealed this, yesterday, when she was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
During the discussion on “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” Odutola revealed that young women aged 20 to 32 were the most affected.
She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual killings was a way to become wealthy.
“This particular menace is very serious and I will like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes.
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I will like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.
“It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich.”
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
She stated that the police command was collaborating closely with the state Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
She stated, “The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling sessions.
“Apart from that, whenever we have cases such as this if per adventure the girls escape the rituals, we also have a proper way of helping them go through the distress of mental health and anxiety they might have felt during the incident.
“The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls between the ages of 20 to about 32 years. The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents, and then the get-rich syndrome.”
Hookup culture refers to casual sexual relationships, like one-night stands, that often don’t involve emotional attachment or long-term commitment. While this trend has existed since the 1920s, it has become more common and accepted in recent years.
Some argue that hookup culture is a step forward for women’s freedom and empowerment, but others believe it harms the development of healthy and meaningful relationships.
Police Link Missing Girls Cases, Ritual Killings To Hookups
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Samuel – Tori, Nigeria
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, revealed this on Wednesday when she was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
The Nigerian Police Force has linked many cases of missing young women to ritual practices, with a growing connection to the rising hookup culture in the country.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, revealed this on Wednesday when she was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
During the discussion on “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” Odutola revealed that young women aged 20 to 32 are the most affected.
She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual killings are a way to become wealthy. “This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” she said.
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.”
The police boss added, “It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich.
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
She stated that the police command is collaborating closely with the State Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
She stated, “The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling sessions.
“Apart from that, whenever we have cases such as this if per adventure the girls escape the rituals, we also have a proper way of helping them go through the distress of mental health and anxiety they might have felt during the incident.
“The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls between the ages of 20 to about 32 years. The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents, and then the get-rich syndrome.”
Hookup culture refers to casual sexual relationships, like one-night stands, that often don’t involve emotional attachment or long-term commitment. While this trend has existed since the 1920s, it has become more common and accepted in recent years.
Some argue that hookup culture is a step forward for women’s freedom and empowerment, but others believe it harms the development of healthy and meaningful relationships.
This culture also reflects a double standard, with women often judged more harshly than men for engaging in casual encounters. For instance, women who hook up frequently or go too far in a single encounter may face derogatory labels like “hoe,” while men in similar situations are often praised.
Ogun police blame ‘hookup’ for high rate of missing girls
Published: December 4, 2024 By: The Citizen, Nigeria
The Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command, Omolola Odutola, has blamed the high rate of missing girls and ritual killings involving females in the state on “hookups”.
The Ogun PPRO made this statement on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, where she was invited as a special guest to speak on the topic ‘Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships’.
Hookup is a slang used to describe brief, casual sexual relations between individuals. Odutola described the hookup culture as a menace prevalent among young girls and attributed this to the surge in cases of missing girls and female victims of ritual killings in the state.
“Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” said Odutola.
The PPRO noted that Ogun State has an ugly history with the cases of missing girls and ritual killings.
In October, the Ogun Police Command declared Testimony John, an 18-year-old girl, missing. The 18-year-old was sent on an errand to Saabo Market in Sagamu and did not return home.
A month before then, in September, the police launched a manhunt for the killers of Habibat Akinsanya, a 17-year-old secondary school student who was abducted and murdered in the state.
Police Uncover 1 Reason for High Cases of Missing Girls, Ritual Killings In Nigeria, Details Emerge
Police link h0okup activities to missing girls and ritual activities Photo credit: @PoliceNG/Pius Utomi Ekpei Source: UGC
Published: December 5, 2024 By: Ezra Ukanwa – Legit, Nigeria
Police reveal the dark side of hookup culture Odutola emphasized that the hookup culture, characterized by casual sexual encounters without commitment, has fueled a surge in cases involving young girls who fall prey to ritual killings, Channels Television reported.
“Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily. “Most of these cases are linked to hookup channels and apps,” she explained. The police noted that many young men are motivated by the belief that ritual killings can lead to wealth, The Punch reported. “Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings in Ogun State have their roots in this misguided idea. “We have some unscrupulous elements who deceive people into providing human body parts for rituals,” she stated.
To combat this, according to her, the Ogun State Police Command, in collaboration with the Women Affairs Commission, has been actively raising awareness and providing counselling to victims and their families.
UNIPORT student found dead in boyfriend’s apartment
In another development, Legit.ng reported that a 300-level Biological Chemistry student of the University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT), Otuene Justina Nkang, has been found dead in her boyfriend’s apartment in the River State capital. Nkang has been declared missing four days after leaving her place of work, where she was doing her industrial training at a private hospital in Port Harcourt.
Hookups to blame for most cases of missing girls, ritual killings in Nigeria – Police
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Nurudeen Shotayo – The Pulse, Nigeria
The hookup culture encourages casual sexual encounters in some cases between two strangers who could engage in one-night stands without necessarily involving any emotional bonding or long-term commitment.
The Nigeria Police have attributed the increasing cases of missing young ladies and girls being used for ritual purposes in the country to the prevalent hookup culture pervading society.
This is according to Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Police Command, who spoke on Channels Television‘s Morning Brief on Wednesday, December 4, 2024.
Odutola, who contributed to the topic, ‘Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,’ observed that young girls and ladies within the age range of 20 and 32 fall victim to the menace.
The hookup culture encourages casual sexual encounters in some cases between two strangers who could engage in one-night stands without necessarily involving any emotional bonding or long-term commitment.
This is hardly a new concept given that non-romantic sexual encounters, especially prostitution have been around since almost the beginning of time.
“This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture.
“Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who casually invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” she said.
Odutola says young people believe in ritual wealth
The police spokesperson added that most young Nigerians, especially males believe that ritual killings can make them rich.
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun state of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun state commissioner of police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.
“It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich.
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
Police link missing girls cases, ritual killings to hookups
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Adetutu Sobowale – Punch, Nigeria
The Nigerian Police Force has linked many cases of missing young women to ritual practices, with a growing connection to the rising hookup culture in the country.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, revealed this on Wednesday when she was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
During the discussion on “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships,” Odutola revealed that young women aged 20 to 32 are the most affected.
She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual killings are a way to become wealthy.
“This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” she said.
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.”
The police boss added, “It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich.
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
She stated that the police command is collaborating closely with the State Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
She stated, “The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling sessions.
“Apart from that, whenever we have cases such as this if per adventure the girls escape the rituals, we also have a proper way of helping them go through the distress of mental health and anxiety they might have felt during the incident.
“The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls between the ages of 20 to about 32 years. The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents, and then the get-rich syndrome.”
Hookup culture refers to casual sexual relationships, like one-night stands, that often don’t involve emotional attachment or long-term commitment. While this trend has existed since the 1920s, it has become more common and accepted in recent years.
Some argue that hookup culture is a step forward for women’s freedom and empowerment, but others believe it harms the development of healthy and meaningful relationships.
This culture also reflects a double standard, with women often judged more harshly than men for engaging in casual encounters. For instance, women who hook up frequently or go too far in a single encounter may face derogatory labels like “hoe,” while men in similar situations are often praised.
Police raise the alarm over rising missing persons cases in Ogun
Published: January 8, 2025 By: Punch, Nigeria
The Ogun State Police Command has raised concerns over an increase in reports of missing persons in the state.
The command’s spokesperson, Omolola Odutola disclosed this in a statement in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Tuesday.
She explained that the command had noticed an unprecedented rise in the number of missing persons across all age groups.
Odutola noted that only a small fraction of the individuals had been found, with many regrettably not returning home.
The police spokesperson urged residents to remain vigilant and more security-conscious while prioritising their safety.
She added that, as a proactive and community-oriented force, the command was committed to raising public awareness about this concerning trend.
“We encourage everyone to prioritise their safety by maintaining a heightened sense of security to avoid becoming a victim.
“The Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, has outlined essential measures and guidelines to keep residents informed about the most pressing issues.
“Based on insights from individuals who were rescued, the Commissioner advises parents not to allow their children to use commercial transportation services with strangers.
“Additionally, he encourages restless youth to activate the digital communication and sharing features on their mobile devices, especially when travelling or in moments of distress,” Odutola said.
Odutola further emphasised that the public could contact the police control room at 09164859299 and the Police Public Relations Department at 09159578888 for assistance.
Most Missing Girls Cases, Ritual Killings In Nigeria Connected With Hookups — Police
The Hookup culture encourages and accepts casual sexual encounters, such as one-night stands, without necessarily involving emotional bonding or long-term commitment.
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Channels Television
The Nigerian Police Force has identified most cases of missing young ladies and girls being used for ritual purposes in Nigeria connected to the prevalent hookup culture sweeping across the country.
The Public Relations Officer, Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola who was a special guest on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, to discuss the topic ‘Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships’, said young girls and ladies within the age range of 20 and 32 fall victim of the menace.
The Hookup culture encourages and accepts casual sexual encounters, such as one-night stands, without necessarily involving emotional bonding or long-term commitment.
The idea of casual, non-romantic sexual encounters has been around since the 1920s.
Some social critics argue that hooking up is a feminist achievement, while others worry that it is a step backwards for healthy, intimate relationships.
The hookup culture can also be gendered, with women being judged by a different standard than men. For example, women who hook up with too many people or go too far in the first hook-up are often judged by terms like “hoe”.
“This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture.
“Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who casually invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” she said.
She added that most young persons, especially males believe that ritual killings can make them get rich.
‘Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun state of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun state commissioner of police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.
“It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich.
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
According to her, the police command is working closely with the Women Affairs Commission of the state to stem the menace in the tide.
“The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling sessions.
“Apart from that, whenever we have cases such as this if per adventure the girls escape the rituals, we also have a proper way of helping them go through the distress of mental health and anxiety they might have felt during the incident.
“The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls between the ages of 20 to about 32 years. The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents, and then the get-rich syndrome,” she said.
A Development expert, Dorothy Njemanze who also joined the conversation from Abuja, urged the Nigerian Police to provide full security and encourage the reporting culture to deal with the crime.
Development expert Dorothy Njemanze
“A lot of the predatory trends that we see have existed in the society all along. But instead of tackling them headlong, we make excuses and try to guilt-trip people. If you stay in your house, harm can happen to you. You go out, harm can happen to you. A lot of healthy marriages in Nigeria happen through hookups. We are expected to meet people irrespective of how it happened, especially when we are adults.
“But my concern is that the predation system extends to children. A lot of children are being lured through the predation system. Every state needs to have a mandatory reporting system so that when suspicious movements are seen, such activities can be reported. And then for law enforcement, when people report things to you, and you are lax and expect people to write petitions and ply certain routes before you can take action, then there is a problem.
“The proactiveness of law enforcement agencies is what we bank on.
“Bad people plan very well, to gain the trust of who they want to harm to minimise chances of their victims raising alarm for them to be caught.
“I heard the policewoman talking about people going to parties. And I also read about a lady killed by her pastor in the church. So it could be anybody.
“Whatever the dimension that bad people choose to operate, the law enforcement should be able to ready to swoop in and ensure that there is minimal to no damage done, and then the mandatory reporting culture of the society is one thing that can help to minimise these things.
“As long as we can’t control what adults do among each other, we can minimize such occurrences because the hookup culture affects both men and women, but more among the women. There is more pressure on men to have resources that can make them look like big men. But make sure as much as possible whenever you are going out, somebody knows where you are going,” she said.
Screenshot – to access the video please open the link included in the Source (below)
Ogun police blame hookup for high rate of missing girls
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Olayide Soaga – The Guardian, Nigeria
Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Police Command, has blamed the high rate of missing girls and ritual killings involving females in the state on “hookups”.
The Ogun PPRO made this statement on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Wednesday, where she was invited as a special guest to speak on the topic ‘Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships’.
Hookup is a slang used to describe brief, casual sexual relations between individuals. Odutola described the hookup culture as a menace prevalent among young girls and attributed this to the surge in cases of missing girls and female victims of ritual killings in the state.
“Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes,” said Odutola.
The PPRO noted that Ogun State has an ugly history with the cases of missing girls and ritual killings.
In October, the Ogun Police Command declared Testimony John, an 18-year-old girl, missing. The 18-year-old was sent on an errand to Saabo Market in Sagamu and did not return home.
A month before then, in September, the police launched a manhunt for the killers of Habibat Akinsanya, a 17-year-old secondary school student who was abducted and murdered in the state.
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Titilope Adamo – The Osun Defender, Nigeria Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
The Nigerian Police Force has attributed a significant number of cases involving missing young women to ritual practices closely tied to the rising hookup culture in Nigeria.
Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer for the Ogun State Command, discussed this issue on Wednesday during an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme.
Highlighting the impact of hookup culture on youth values, she noted that women aged 20 to 32 are the most vulnerable.
“This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
She further explained, “It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich.
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
She also stated that the police command is collaborating closely with the State Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
She added, “The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling sessions.
“Apart from that, whenever we have cases such as this if per adventure the girls escape the rituals, we also have a proper way of helping them go through the distress of mental health and anxiety they might have felt during the incident.
“The hookup culture is prevalent among young girls between the ages of 20 to about 32 years. The reason they get involved in this menace is because they feel they don’t get enough from their parents, and then the get-rich syndrome.”
Hookup culture, which refers to casual sexual relationships like one-night stands, has been debated for its effects on youth.
While some argue it empowers individuals, others criticize its impact on relationships and societal values.
This culture often highlights double standards, with women judged more harshly than men for casual encounters, facing derogatory labels such as “hoe,” while men are often praised.
THE Nigerian Police Force has linked many cases of missing young women and girls to the rising hookup culture in Nigeria, which is believed to be contributing to their exploitation for ritual purposes.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, highlighted during an interview today that young women aged 20 to 32 are particularly vulnerable to this issue.
The hookup culture promotes casual sexual encounters, such as one-night stands, without emotional attachment or long-term commitment.
The idea of casual, non-romantic sexual encounters has been around since the 1920s.
While some social critics view hooking up as a feminist achievement, others express concern that it undermines healthy intimate relationships.
The culture can also be gender-biased, with women facing harsher judgments than men, often labeled derogatorily if they engage with multiple partners or go too far on a first encounter.
Odutola emphasized the seriousness of this issue, stating, “I want young people to understand the dangers of the hookup culture. We receive numerous reports of missing persons, with at least 10 young women disappearing each day. Investigations indicate that these cases are often not accidental; many are linked to hookup platforms and apps, where victims are lured by strangers to unknown locations and subsequently exploited for ritual purposes.”
She noted that many young individuals, particularly males, believe that ritual killings can lead to wealth.
“The recent cases of missing girls and ritual killings in Ogun State are not new, but the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been working to address these disturbing incidents. The belief that ritual killings can bring wealth is prevalent among some young people, who are often deceived into providing human remains for various rituals.”
To combat this issue, advocacy and awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate young people about the dangers of ritual killings.
The Ogun State Police Command is collaborating with the Women Affairs Commission to tackle the problem effectively.
“The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission, is working alongside the police to provide counseling sessions. In cases where girls escape from rituals, we have established support systems to help them cope with the mental health challenges and anxiety they may experience,” she explained.
Odutola pointed out that the hookup culture is particularly common among young women aged 20 to 32, who may feel financially unsupported by their families and are drawn to the allure of quick wealth.
Development expert Dorothy Njemanze, who joined the discussion from Abuja, urged the Nigerian Police to enhance security measures and promote a culture of reporting suspicious activities to address these crimes.
Njemanze said, “Many predatory behaviors have long existed in society, yet we often make excuses instead of confronting them. Harm can occur whether one stays at home or goes out. While hookups can lead to healthy relationships, my concern is that children are being lured into dangerous situations. Every state should implement a mandatory reporting system for suspicious activities.”
She emphasized the need for law enforcement to act proactively.
“Criminals often plan meticulously to gain their victims’ trust, minimizing the chances of being caught. The police should be prepared to intervene swiftly to prevent harm.
“Regardless of the circumstances, whether at parties or other venues, it is crucial to ensure that someone knows your whereabouts when going out,” she added, highlighting the importance of awareness and caution in navigating the hookup culture, which disproportionately affects women.
Most cases of missing persons, related to hookup – Police
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Nkiruka Gloria – Gistreel, Nigeria
The Nigerian Police Force (NPF), has disclosed that most cases of people who have been reported to be missing, is linked to ‘hookup‘.
This was disclosed by the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, while speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, on Wednesday.
She noted that the rising hookup culture in the country, has a growing connection to the many cases of missing young women to ritual practices.
She added that this stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them.
Odutola stated that young women aged 20 to 32 are the most affected.
She said, “This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes.
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.”
Nigeria Police Link Missing Girls Cases, Ritual Killings to Hookups
Published: December 4, 2024 by: Naijapals Base – Gist Mania, Nigeria
The Nigerian Police Force has raised concerns about the alarming trend of missing young women and girls, many of whom have reportedly fallen victim to money ritual killings. According to SP Omolola Odutola, the spokesperson of the Ogun State Police Command, a significant number of these cases are linked to the growing “hookup culture” in the country.
Odutola shared these insights during a live appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief program on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, where the discussion focused on the topic: “Hookup Culture: Impact on Youth Values and Relationships.”
She highlighted that young women aged 20 to 32 are particularly vulnerable, often lured into dangerous situations under the guise of casual relationships or financial arrangements.
She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual k!llings are a way to become wealthy.
“This particular menace is very serious and I would like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily,” the PPRO stated.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places, and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I would like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents.
“It stems from the ugly perspective of young persons who believe that ritual killing could enrich them. We have some of these unscrupulous elements who deceive young people to get human skulls or human body parts, which they use for some kind of concoction to get them rich
“That is why we are having advocacy and sensitization, to enlighten young persons to make them understand that engaging in ritual killings does not in any way make them rich,” she said.
She stated that the police command is collaborating closely with the State Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
“The Ogun State government, particularly the Women Affairs Commission works in tandem with the police command by providing counselling session.
Published: December 5, 2024 By: Abimbola Abatta – Foundation for Investigative Journalism, Nigeria
How did she know the killer? Girls, stop doing hookup, but you won’t listen.
FIJ has observed a trend where Nigerians engage in victim blaming whenever women are reported missing. It is worse when they wind up dead and their deaths are linked to ritual killings or intimate partner violence.
Victim blaming essentially implies that a victim deserved the violent crime committed against them, and it comes in various forms.
Sometimes veiled as words of caution, victim blaming springs out in comments such as, “What was she looking for?” “What was she wearing?” “How did she know the killer?” “Stop doing hook up; women no dey hear” “No justice for anybody o,” “Stop dating Yahoo boys,” “Girls will never learn,” “She will think twice in her next life.”
FIJ came across similar comments on X, captured more screenshots and uploaded them to this folder.
One of the comments
What makes this more alarming is how the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) reinforces the culture of victim blaming through careless statements. In 2019, when a suspected serial killer was on a killing spree, having killed the 10th victim, the Rivers State Police Command told young women to shun prostitution.
Chuks Enwonwu, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of administration at the time, said, “In as much as societal values are disintegrating, we must go back to try to educate them (women) and discourage them from going into prostitution because that is how they fall victim to these crimes.”
A similar sentiment from law enforcement played out on Wednesday when Omolola Odutola, the police public relations officer in Ogun State, linked missing women and ritual killings to the hookup culture. This culture encourages casual sex encounters, often paid, without emotional commitment.
According to a publication by the Canadian Resource Centre for Victims of Crime, victim blaming occurs when the victim of a crime or an accident is held responsible, whether in whole or in part, for the crimes that have been committed against them.
This blame can be in the form of negative social responses from legal, medical and mental health professionals, as well as from the media, immediate family members and other acquaintances. Some types of crimes victims get blamed for are intimate partner violence, sexual assault, homicide and sex trade.
Odutola was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief when she said the hookup culture gives men, who believe ritual killings could enrich them, the platform to lure women to their deaths.
“Most girls who find themselves in hookup acts get missing and slaughtered for ritual purposes,” she said.
Although she noted that the police had been sensitising young persons to make them understand that ritual killings do not in any way make them rich, she stressed the need for women to beware of the hookup culture.
That was not the first time Ogun Police would be warning women about their lifestyle rather than condemning their attackers.
While detailing the arrest of three ritual killers in a post on February 29, the security agency stated, “The Command is using this avenue to advise our young ladies at this umpteenth time to desist from untoward movements. They are advised to use social media and attendant technology positively. It is through the social media platform that all these victims were surreptitiously lured to their untimely death.”
The warning for ladies. Source: Ogun State Police Command’s X page.
Also, in April, the Ogun police wrote on X: “Avoid being a victim of ritual killing: hook up, and its dangers. You may go and never return. Girls, wake up! Young girls, do you know who you are being hooked up to? That person may exchange your beautiful head for peanuts. All that glitters is not gold!”
Meanwhile, Dorothy Njemanze, a communication strategist and development expert who was featured on the television programme along with the Ogun police spokesperson, opined that law enforcement agencies and the government have key roles to play in tackling the underlying issues.
“Instead of tackling them (the issue) head-on, we guilt trip people. Bad people plan very well. They gain the trust of people, but regardless of the dimension that bad people choose to operate, the law enforcement should sweep in and ensure that the impact is reduced,” she said.
Njemanze differed from the police PRO’s argument that the hookup culture was to blame for the prevalent cases of missing women and ritual killings.
She explained that, as someone working in a survivor centre, she encountered cases of children who had been lured through predatory systems. Njemanze pointed out that such cases cannot be classified as hookups.
“The biggest currency that is exploited is trust. The government needs to step in into the get-rich-quick syndrome and empower people who are under the pressure of wanting to break the jinx of poverty,” Njemanze added.
Roseline Adewuyi, a gender and social advocate, told FIJ that the culture of blaming victims is a deep social issue that calls for genuine concern.
“We have had cases of women in Nigeria who are killed for ritual purposes or who have been sexually assaulted and the society goes on to subtly or expressly blame these victims,” Adewuyi stated.
She also said that factors such as existing cultural norms, social conditioning and lack of concrete understanding of the root causes of heinous crimes influence victim-blamers.
For her, the complex root cause of violence against women cannot be understood without first challenging social conditioning and reshaping the ingrained beliefs about gender and victims. Rather than make comments that imply that victims are partly culpable, the responsibility for crimes should be placed squarely on the shoulders of the perpetrators.
“It is when the responsibility of the crime has been rightly placed that we can find out the root cause and motivation of that violence. Commenting about the movements or actions of women in this context distracts the society from the real causes of the problem of gender-based violence,” Adewuyi explained.
To address the victim-blaming biases, Adewuyi said, focus must be on critical stakeholders like the police, who are the first responders in cases of violence against women. She also said that there should be sensitisation programmes on gender issues against the reinforcement of stereotypes, and the police must prioritise the safety of everyone, no matter their gender.
“NGOs, media organisations, communities, schools and others must also be targeted to replace the culture of victim blaming and silence with the culture of respect, consent and gender equality,” the social advocate told FIJ.
Abimbola Abatta is a reporter with FIJ, writing reports in partnership with Report for the World which matches local newsrooms with talented emerging journalists to report on under-covered issues around the globe.
Hook-ups reason for missing girls, ritual killings – Police
Published: December 4, 2024 By: Matthew Atungwu – Daily Post, Nigeria
The Nigeria Police said many cases of missing young women to ritual practices are caused by the surge of hook-up culture in the country.
The Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, Omolola Odutola, made this revelation on Wednesday when she was featured on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
According to her, young women aged 20 to 32 were the most affected.
She added that many young people, especially males, believe that ritual killings were a way to become wealthy.
“This particular menace is very serious and I will like a lot of young people to understand the danger in the hookup culture. Today, we have lots of reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily.
“In-depth investigations also reveal that those cases are not by accidents. Most of them are connected to hookup channels and apps. They fall victim to strangers who causally invite them to unknown places and eventually fall victim to being used for ritual purposes.
“Most cases of missing girls and ritual killings occurring in Ogun State of recent, I will like to say that it is not new. But as much as possible, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police has been able to tame these ugly incidents,” she said.
She further said that the Ogun State Police Command was collaborating closely with the state Women Affairs Commission to tackle and curb the menace.
DAILY POST reports that hookup culture refers to casual sexual relationships, like one-night stands, that often don’t involve emotional attachment or long-term commitment.
Actress Kate Henshaw reacts to police blaming ritual killings on hookup culture
Published: December 7, 2024 By: Jessica Gistlover – Nigeria
Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw has reacted to police reports blaming hookup culture for ritual killings after facing backlash on social media for her statement about Yahoo boys using girls for rituals.
On December 4, 2024, Omolola Odutola, the PRO of the Ogun state command, highlighted the dangers of the hookup culture on Channels Television’s Morning Brief.
Nigerian actress Kate Henshaw has responded to police reports attributing ritual killings to hookup culture, following significant criticism on social media in November 2024 regarding her comments about Yahoo boys exploiting women for rituals.
During an appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on December 4, 2024, Omolola Odutola, the Public Relations Officer of the Ogun State Command, emphasized the risks associated with hookup culture.
She said, “Today, we have numerous reports of missing persons. By the time we start an investigation, not less than 10 young girls and ladies go missing daily. These cases are not accidental. Most are tied to hookup arrangements where young women are invited by strangers to unknown places, ultimately leading to their harm or use in ritual killings.”
This report garnered significant media attention and elicited various reactions on social media. A user on X recalled the time when Kate Henshaw faced accusations of promoting femicide for expressing a similar viewpoint.
The post read, “There was a time not too long ago @HenshawKate made a statement as regards this and some people came for her. Alas!!! She has been vindicated.”In response to the post, Kate Henshaw wrote, “Let the role model females who spouted I was promoting femicide show naa.. Alas, their mouths are shut!!”
It is worth noting that on October 31, 2024, Henshaw commented on a viral video featuring a young girl who expressed her intention to date a Yahoo boy, a known fraudster. At that time, Henshaw warned that the young girl was at risk of being exploited for rituals due to her choice.
She wrote, “Na so dem go take pieces you for ritual…Yeye mindset.”
Henshaw’s remarks were met with backlash from many social media users, who accused her of insensitivity and of endorsing femicide.
An X user asked her, “This is so wrong to say. How is murder justifiable?”
The actress responded, “That’s the value she placed on herself with her words and actions. That’s how she reduced herself to be used by all and sundry. That’s the green light she has put on but that’s OK with you.”
I posted a few articles on the evil of ritual murders in Ogun State, Nigeria on December 31 and January 1.
The first one (the day before yesterday) was triggered by the ritual murder of Ayomide Agunbiade, a 12-year old boy, by his uncle who subsequently was killed in a mob action, jungle justice, in December.
The second posting, yesterday, was a kind of overview of ritualistic murders and related activities in this small southwestern state where in 2023 at least 15 people were murdered for ritualistic purposes. Among these 15 innocent victims was another 12-year old boy, John Soyinka, from Abeokuta, the state capital, whose dead body was found mutilated flive days after he got missing in November – see the article presented below.
The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, now promises to do his best to fight this evil which, unfortunately, is not unique in Nigeria. The number of ritual killings in Nigeria (‘money rituals’) is frightening. I estimate that every week at least ten ritual murders are committed in Africa’s most populated country. Ten innocent lives cut short among whom children, the country’s future. On a yearly basis this amounts to more than 500 victims of ‘money rituals’.
I hope that in 2024 this evil will successfully be fought, reduced and, if possible, eliminated. (webmaster FVDK).
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu
Published: December 31, 2023 By: Taiwo Bankole – Punch, Nigeria
As part of its efforts to stem the rising cases of ritual killings in the society, the Ogun State Police Command said it would embark on advocacy against the menace in the new year.
The state Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, disclosed this while speaking with journalists on Sunday in Abeokuta.
Alamutu noted that the state remains the safest in the country, but the command is confronted with peculiar challenges especially the new trend of ritual killings.
He warned parents to caution their children to desist from any social vices, saying the police would not condone any form of criminality in the state in the new year.
Ogun State has had a fair share of frequent cult clashes in the outgoing year, especially in the Sagamu township, leading to the loss of at least 15 souls in the outgoing year.
PUNCH Online reports cases of ritual killings, the recent being the case of a missing 12-year-old boy, John Soyemi, whose mutilated body was found after five days at a community within Asero Estate.
Alamutu said, “2023 has been a challenging year because we have crime across the country. But I still insist based on available records that Ogun State remains one of the safest cities in the country as of today. Be that as it may, we have our own peculiar challenges.
“We are trying to level up. We are trying to be at least a step ahead of them, and the most disturbing trend now is the issue of ritual killings, which by its nature, is never done in the open except through credible intelligence before the act is committed.
“Unfortunately, the trend had continued to rise. So in the coming year, we are going to concentrate more on advocacy so that people will be aware of the fact that there is nothing like a money ritual.”
The CP continued, “You cannot make money by killing people, it is an agelong myth, it is a total fallacy. There’s really nothing like money rituals, they are just vicious, they are only being deceived to bring things they know it’s impossible to get like human head and all those stuff. By the end of the day, in their desperation, they go out for the eyeball, but then, there’s nothing like a money-making ritual.
“But our efforts in the coming year will be more sensitisation of members of the public. We will continue to place more emphasis on advocacy.”
“Cultism too is actually a serious menace, but the truth is that we are arresting them on a daily basis. But I’m happy the government is looking towards that direction and they need to put in place stiffer punishment for these people because it’s becoming a pastime, but the most disturbing news is that they are neither students nor artisans. They are just out there to take advantage of innocent people,” Alamutu noted.
Missing Ogun 12-year-old found dead after five days
Ogun State Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola
Published: November 23, 2023 By: Taiwo Bankole – Punch. Nigeria
The corpse of a missing 12-year-old John Soyinka was reportedly found at Kotogbo community inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta, Ogun State on Monday morning with his eyes removed while his wrists were also said to have been cut off.
Our correspondent gathered that Soyinka was declared missing about a week ago and the incident was reported at the Obantoko Police Station, Abeokuta.
A resident of the area who pleaded anonymity told our correspondent that the young school boy was said to have vanished into the thin air after trying to check on a customer who did PoS transactions in a shop where the deceased usually assisted them but never came back.
The source said, “I know the boy very well, he is about 12 years old and he lived alone with his mother whom I guessed is no longer with her husband. His mother is into menial jobs like helping people to sweep and the rest.
“The boy too was going to school but I also usually saw him at a business centre where they do PoS operations and barbing. I think he must be assisting them there. What we heard was that, last week Thursday, he said he wanted to check on a customer who did PoS transactions, apparently maybe, there was something to sort out about the transaction but the boy never came back.
“The boy and his mother lived at Olasunkanmi community and so the Community Development Association reported the matter to the District Police Officer at Obantoko Station.
“The DPO informed the police at Adigbe and Lafenwa but it was the boy’s corpse that was seen at Kotogbo community just beside Olasunkanmi on Monday. The two communities are inside Asero Estate, Abeokuta. It is suspected to be a case of ritual killing because the boy’s eyes were removed while his wrists were also cut off. It’s an incident that has really thrown all the residents into mourning”.
When contacted for a reaction, the spokesperson of Ogun State Police Command, SP Omolola Odutola, described the incident as very pathetic saying that it was painful to note that despite the fact that the police swung into action when the boy’s case was brought to their attention, it was his mutilated body that was found days later inside the bush.
Odutola said, “The case is so pathetic. The DPO vigorously searched for this boy only to find his mutilated body inside the bush. The body has been released to the family for burial.”
