“I Have Been Kept in the Dark”: Father of Murdered FUNAAB Student Pleads for Justice a Year Later
A year has passed since 21-year-old Christianah Idowu, a promising student at the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), was murdered, but for her father, the pain is compounded by a deafening silence from the authorities. In an emotional interview, Mr. Oluwafemi Idowu has spoken out about his frustration, his fear that the case has been abandoned, and his desperate plea for justice.
“It is painful because we live in a country where, without money, your voice often goes unheard,” said Mr. Idowu, a 50-year-old commercial motorcyclist. “That is why I had to speak out.”
The tragic events unfolded in 2024 while Christianah was on industrial attachment in Ita Oluwo. Seeking shelter from the rain at the home of a fellow church member, she was brutally murdered and buried in the suspect’s father’s compound. An investigation, aided by tracking Christianah’s phone, quickly led to the suspect’s arrest.
The case was brought to court in September 2024 for an initial hearing. Since then, Mr. Idowu says he has received no updates.
“I have not heard anything about the suspect or the case since last year,” he lamented. “My concern is that I have not received any information about whether he has been released or granted bail. That is my main worry.”
Mr. Idowu, who has been a single father since his wife passed away ten years ago, feels powerless in the face of a slow-moving system. He described being “pushed from one office to another” and expressed his deep disappointment with the lack of progress despite what he believes is clear evidence.
“When justice is delayed, some people might feel compelled to take matters into their own hands,” he said. “In my case, I have entrusted the government to handle this, but they seem to be prolonging it.”
His plea is not for vengeance but for the integrity of the justice system. “I would ask them to handle the case in a way that reassures Nigerians that justice is attainable,” he urged. “I want them to ensure that the accused does not go free. My concern is that if this case is left unresolved, others could become victims.”
Now, Mr. Idowu places his hope in public awareness, believing that the voices of concerned citizens can prevent his daughter’s case from being forgotten.
“I trust that good Nigerians are willing to help, because if this case is mishandled, it could happen to another family,” he said. “Christianah is gone, but we cannot let the case be ignored.”
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