LAUTECH Confirms Murder of Student During Sign-Out Ceremony, Police Arrest 16 Suspects
The Management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, has confirmed the tragic death of one of its students, Mr. Marvelous Olanrewaju Babalola, who was fatally shot during an unauthorized sign-out ceremony. The incident, which occurred last week, has prompted a police investigation that has so far led to the arrest of 16 suspects.
In a statement issued by the University Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun, the institution expressed profound sadness over the unfortunate incident, which took place on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, at the Ultramodern Wazo Market in Ogbomoso. Mrs. Balogun clarified that the university had officially banned all sign-out activities both on and off campus since 2023, citing safety concerns and a history of misconduct.
According to the university’s preliminary investigations, Babalola, a 300-level student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, was among a group of students who defied the ban to celebrate their final exams at the market’s football pitch. Reports indicate that he was shot at the venue, and while attempting to leave on his motorbike, he collapsed. He was later found unresponsive, and his body was transported to the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital Morgue.
The university’s Acting Dean of Student Affairs immediately alerted the Oyo State Police Command, which dispatched officers to the scene. A search of the deceased’s belongings helped to identify him. The police have since launched a comprehensive investigation into the murder. According to reports, the police’s Monitoring Unit conducted a sting operation following the incident, leading to the arrest of 16 individuals believed to be connected to the shooting.
The management of LAUTECH has extended its heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the late student and has pledged to cooperate fully with the police to ensure that justice is served. The murder has reignited calls from students and the wider community for stricter security measures, both on and off campus, to protect students from such tragic events.
