The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed the arrest of two principal suspects linked to the brutal murder of a young woman from Nasarawa State, who was gruesomely killed and her body set ablaze in a slum known as “Gangare” by the canal behind the Mile 12 Market on May 24, 2025.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer, CSP Benjamin Hundeyin, disclosed that the deceased, whose name has been withheld, had been living in the area with her northern relatives. Contrary to widespread speculation, police investigations revealed that the victim was not of Yoruba descent and there was no element of blasphemy involved in the incident.
Preliminary findings by detectives indicate that the heinous act was the outcome of a protracted dispute between the victim and her estranged boyfriend, who allegedly conspired with others to forcefully reinstate the broken relationship. This conspiracy, according to the police, led to the orchestrated attack in which she was rounded up, murdered in cold blood, and her body set on fire.
“The killing is clearly a premeditated crime of conspiracy and cold-blooded murder, which should be condemned by all,” the statement read.
The police have assured the public that a discreet and comprehensive investigation is ongoing, and efforts are underway to apprehend the estranged boyfriend and other suspects still at large. The two suspects currently in custody are being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), where they are cooperating with investigators.
CSP Hundeyin also confirmed that calm has been restored in the affected area, with no reports of ethnic tension or reprisal attacks in the Mile 12 and Ketu communities.
“The public is advised to go about their lawful activities without fear. We urge citizens to exercise restraint and refrain from spreading unverified information that could incite panic or disunity,” he added.
The Lagos State Police Command reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for the victim and maintaining peace and security across the state.