A teenage exam candidate was allegedly lured and killed by former schoolmates in Ikorodu shortly after writing the 2026 UTME, prompting arrests and ongoing investigations.
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested two suspects over the abduction and killing of a 17-year-old boy, Thompson Adams Omokafe, shortly after he sat for the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Police authorities confirmed that the teenager was last seen on April 22, 2026, while returning from his examination centre in the Ikorodu area of Lagos. According to investigators, he was allegedly lured by individuals identified as his former schoolmates to an apartment, where he was killed.
The suspects, identified as Elijah Emmanuel, 23, and Tony Ogenata, 21, were arrested on April 27 following intelligence-led operations by police operatives.
Police Commissioner Fatai Tijani disclosed that preliminary investigations revealed the victim was murdered after being deceived into accompanying the suspects. His body was reportedly concealed in a bag and later dumped within the community.
Further findings from the investigation also linked the suspects to a previous kidnapping and murder case involving a female victim in 2025, indicating a possible pattern of criminal activity.
Authorities say the suspects are currently in custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations. Motive behind the killing has not been fully established, and police say inquiries are ongoing.
The incident has sparked public concern over youth-related violent crime and safety in Lagos, particularly involving individuals known to victims. The UTME, conducted nationwide, is a critical examination for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Police say the case remains under active investigation, with further updates expected as legal proceedings commence.