We didn’t drop case against our daughter’s killer – Ogun family

The family of 22‑year‑old Kabirat Sobola, who was allegedly killed by her boyfriend, has denied claims that they are not pressing charges against her suspected murderer. Kabirat was discovered dead in her room with multiple knife wounds to her neck and other parts of her body. Police arrested her boyfriend, 26‑year‑old Akeem Kabiru, on suspicion of involvement in the murder, but the family says other accomplices have yet to be apprehended.

Family spokesman Kehinde Sobola, speaking to our correspondent in Abeokuta, said three alleged accomplices were released by police. Sobola, the twin brother of the deceased’s father, was part of the team that found Kabirat’s body. He asserted that Akeem Kabiru, who is being held in a correctional centre, had co‑perpetrators in the killing. According to Sobola, the knife and pillow used in the murder were found in the room with the corpse. Kabirat’s friends, identified as Fola and Akeem, were suspected of involvement and were asked by police to give statements. Sobola expressed surprise that Fola, previously arrested, was later released, and complained that a herbalist and an Islamic cleric—who reportedly received a picture of the deceased from the prime suspect—had not been detained.

Sobola recounted being at the police station when the prime suspect told officers he had sent the victim’s picture to an Alfa (Islamic cleric) and a herbalist. He called on the government to intervene, ensure justice is served, and conduct thorough investigations so that those responsible for Kabirat’s death are brought to account.

When contacted, Police Public Relations Officer for the state, Abimbola Oyeyemi, sought to allay the family’s concerns. He confirmed that the homicide unit had taken over the case and that the suspect remained remanded in a correctional centre. The PPRO cautioned the family against accusing innocent individuals, stating, “We have not released any suspect. The suspect is in the correctional centre. This is a serious murder case. We cannot arrest anyone indiscriminately, as it would take a long time for an innocent person to prove his innocence.”