A wave of grief and outrage has swept through the student community of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, following the gruesome murder of Abimbola Nathaniel Oladayo, a recent graduate of the institution who lived alone in Osogbo, Osun State.
Abimbola, popularly known as Charles among his friends, was reported missing on July 10, 2025, after his family and close friends lost contact with him. Yesterday, July 19, 2025, the devastating news of his death was confirmed, sending shockwaves through OAU and the wider academic community.
According to eyewitness reports and distressing footage obtained by The Nigeria Education News, Nathaniel’s lifeless body was found by the roadside at Dagbolu area in Osogbo, brutally disfigured and mutilated, with his eyes reportedly removed. The horrific video, which has been circulating on social media, has sparked an uproar, with students, alumni, and human rights activists demanding immediate justice.
Students from OAU have since launched an online and offline campaign tagged “Justice for Charles”, calling on the Osun State Government, the Nigeria Police Force, and other relevant authorities to uncover the circumstances behind his murder and ensure that the perpetrators are swiftly apprehended.
In a phone interview with The Nigeria Education News team, several student leaders and alumni described Nathaniel’s death as not only heart-breaking but emblematic of the rising insecurity in Osogbo and other parts of Nigeria. “This barbaric act cannot be swept under the carpet,” said Comrade Damilola Adebayo, an Alumnus of OAU. “Nathaniel’s death must be thoroughly investigated, and justice must be served.”
Osun State Police Command, when contacted by The Nigeria Education News, confirmed receiving reports of the incident. SP Adeoye Akeem, the Police Public Relations Officer, stated that investigations are ongoing and assured the public that no effort will be spared in bringing those responsible to book. “We are treating this as a case of suspected ritual killing given the state of the body, but we await full autopsy reports and further findings,” she said.
The OAU student community has also expressed fears about the security of young people living off-campus and in surrounding towns. Many students commute between Ife and Osogbo for various reasons, including internships, jobs, and accommodation. Nathaniel’s tragic death has reignited conversations about safety measures for graduates and students navigating life after university.
Human rights organizations have joined in the call for justice. The Centre for Social Justice and Human Rights, in a press statement obtained by The Nigeria Education News, described the killing as “inhumane and reflective of Nigeria’s deepening insecurity crisis.” The group called on Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State and the Inspector General of Police to prioritize this investigation.
Social media has since been flooded with the hashtags #JusticeForCharles, #StopTheKillings, and #EnoughIsEnough, as students and sympathizers across Nigeria amplify the demand for swift action.
Meanwhile, the family of the deceased is said to be devastated. A close family member, who spoke anonymously to our correspondent, said “We are in shock. Charles was our beacon of hope. This is a loss we may never recover from.”
As the nation mourns yet another promising youth lost to violence, students and stakeholders across the country are urging for more proactive security policies. They have also called for special protection programs for recent graduates living in high-risk areas.
For now, the central demand remains clear: Justice for Charles, no delay, no excuses.
