Jeremiah Paul Awe confessed that he came to Kogi State with the intent of performing a ritual.
He met Damilola last Sunday, began a conversation, and offered her a drink mixed with codeine and Sprite. After she drank it and became disoriented, he took her to an unfinished building, where he killed her. He then removed certain body parts as directed by a native doctor from Ibadan, who had provided a calabash and a knife for the ritual. These items were transported back to Ibadan by a driver.
Barnabas Olugbenga, an associate of Jeremiah, explained that he and Jeremiah had contacted an Ifa priest on TikTok for ritual purposes and traveled to Ibadan to obtain a special soap for cleansing. He claimed he was unaware of Jeremiah’s intention to harm Damilola.
Ajayi Basit Ayomide, a student, mentioned that he hosted Barnabas and Jeremiah before their journey to Ibadan and later accommodated them due to their lack of funds. He denied any knowledge of the crime.
Emmanuel Otitoju, another suspect, denied involvement, stating he had advised Damilola to resolve an issue with her boyfriend and was unaware of Jeremiah’s plans.
Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Ovye Aya, reported that Damilola’s father initially reported her missing and later received a ransom demand from Jeremiah.
Jeremiah was arrested on September 11, 2024, and confessed to the crime. This confession led to the recovery of Damilola’s body and the arrest of three other individuals.
Aya condemned the crime and advised caution among students and parents, emphasizing that the police are vigilant against criminal activities in the state.
The suspects will face legal action once the investigation is complete.
