Suspect pleads guilty to abducting 17-year-old UI student

By Adejayan Gbenga –

A 17-year-old University of Ibadan student, Divine Ayeni, has found partial justice after her abductor, David Abiodun, pleaded guilty to kidnapping charges before the Federal High Court in Ibadan.

Abiodun, on Monday, admitted to a two-count charge of kidnapping filed against him by the Department of State Services (DSS).

Presiding over the case, Justice Nkeonye Maha adjourned proceedings until September 23 for the presentation of facts and final judgment. The judge also ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Agodi Correctional Centre pending sentencing.

Earlier, DSS counsel, Mr. T.A. Nurudeen, informed the court that the kidnapping occurred between May 19 and June 5, 2024, in Ibadan. He said the defendant unlawfully abducted the victim and held her against her will, in violation of her fundamental rights.

Nurudeen stated that the act contravened Sections 24A and 30A of the Terrorism (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022.