Femi Oladele, also known as Tallex, the prime suspect in the alleged kidnapping and brutal murder of two students from Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), has died while in police custody. The development was confirmed on Saturday by Olayinka Ayanlade, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command. Oladele, a prominent landlord in Akungba, had one of the victims, John Abbah, as his tenant and was accused of orchestrating the abduction of Mr. Abbah and his friend, Andre Okah. The students were reportedly robbed before their murder, with Ms. Okah also enduring rape.

According to Deputy Superintendent of Police Ayanlade, Oladele had been in and out of the hospital, receiving medical supervision and care, after falling ill following his arrest. He passed away in the early hours of Friday. As of the latest update, the decomposing remains of Andre Okah have been recovered, while efforts are still actively underway to locate John Abbah’s body. The police had previously arrested other individuals connected to the case, including Ojo Michael, one of the alleged abductors, and Abdul Mubarak, who reportedly purchased an iPhone 14 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims. In a more recent development, two additional suspects, identified as Kola and Micheal, have been apprehended for allegedly withdrawing N800,000 from the late Mr. Abbah’s account. They are reportedly cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation.

The Police Command has urged the public to disregard any distorted narratives that might seek to divert attention from the established facts. DSP Ayanlade reiterated the command's commitment to ensuring that justice is fully pursued and that all individuals involved will face the full weight of the law. While expressing deep sympathy for the families, friends, and academic communities affected by the tragedy, the police emphasized their unwavering dedication to justice and public safety. Furthermore, security measures have been enhanced across all higher institutions in the state, through increased patrols, undercover surveillance, and community policing initiatives.

Meanwhile, the Adekunle Ajasin University Students Union Government (SUG) has expressed profound disbelief regarding Femi Oladele's death in police custody. In a statement jointly signed by SUG President Salami Akeem, General Secretary Bakare Abiodun, and PRO Ajidagba Mosadoluwa, the union demanded that the Nigerian Police immediately produce the body of the deceased suspect. They issued a strict ultimatum of 24 hours, emphasizing that Oladele’s sudden death in custody underscores the critical need for transparency and accountability within the police force. The SUG insisted on a thorough, transparent, fair, and timely investigation into the killings, asserting that justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done, as it is the least owed to the grieving families, the AAUA community, and the general public. They further requested that all findings related to this sensitive case be made public and handled with the highest level of integrity, urging the Nigerian Police to act with full responsibility, professionalism, and commitment to justice. The union warned that failure to meet their demands within the specified timeframe could lead to a mass demonstration by AAUA students and other concerned Nigerian students, exercising their right to protest for transparency and proper handling of the matter.