Operatives of the Nigerian Police Force, NPF, attached to the Bosso Division in Niger State have reportedly arrested a suspect, Joy Afekafe, 14, over the gruesome murder of a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, FUT Minna, Dr. Mrs. Funmilola Adefolalu.
Dr Adefolalu’s lifeless body was reportedly found in a pool of her own blood at her residence in the Gbaiko area of Minna on Sunday, 29th October, 2023 after her friends and church members did not see her in church and could not reach her by phone.
According to reports, Dr. Funmilola’s absence and the inability to reach her by phone raised concerns among her visitors who upon their arrival at her residence, were met with a gruesome sight of her lifeless body laid in a pool of blood and bearing visible injuries on her body.
Following the discovery, the Police in a swift response, dispatched operatives from the Bosso Division to investigate the situation.
PlughuzMedia gathered that the grim discovery at the crime scene included two knives with bloodstains, suspected to be the weapons used in the attack as the university lecturer’s remains were transferred to IBB Hospital in Minna, where she was officially pronounced dead.
The police however, swung into immediate action, conducting interviews with neighbors and friends of the family to gather information.
Their diligent efforts bore fruit, leading to a significant breakthrough in the case. On the 30th of October, 2023 when the police reportedly arrested Joy Afekafe, a 14-year-old housemaid hailing from Gbeganu, Minna.
During interrogation, the suspect revealed that she had worked as Dr. Funmilola Adefolalu’s housemaid for approximately three weeks but was relieved of her position due to misconduct.
Following her dismissal, Joy Afekafe sought help from her classmates, identified as Walex and Smart.
Joy disclosed that together, they conspired to attack the lecturer at her residence and that on the 28th of October, 2023, at around 4:00 p.m., they approached the house on a motorcycle.
Joy said she arrived at the gate and gained entrance after Dr. Adefolalu opened it. Subsequently, Walex and Smart entered the residence and in a brutal and fatal assault, they subjected the lecturer to physical harm.
She reportedly confessed that they used a stool to strike her head and inflicted multiple stab wounds with knives.
The attackers also made off with the deceased’s phone and laptop. Notably, they removed the vehicle’s battery before fleeing the scene.
The prime suspect, Joy Afekafe, will be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation and due prosecution while the police are currently intensifying their efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects who remain at large.
