Nigerian Law Professor Killed by Suspected Kidnappers Near University Campus

Prof. Yinka Olomojobi, a Human Rights and Gender Law professor at Babcock University in Ogun State, Nigeria, was killed by suspected kidnappers on April 21, 2024, about 8 km from the Ilisan-Remo campus. The incident occurred as the professor was traveling to the university's campus. Omolola Odutola, the Ogun police PRO, confirmed that Prof. Olomojobi was shot dead while resisting abduction.

Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the professor's death and the motive behind the suspected kidnapping and killing. The Ogun state government and police have launched an investigation to arrest the perpetrators of this tragic incident. The details surrounding the attack are still under investigation by the relevant authorities.

Babcock University has officially notified Prof. Olomojobi's family of the incident. The university's Director of Communication and Marketing, Dr. Joshua Suleiman, said security agencies are on the trail of the killers and the university's security personnel are assisting in the investigation. "The university is a safe and conducive place to study and work, and the university will not shirk in doing the needful in such a situation," Suleiman stated.

Why this matters: The killing of Prof. Olomojobi highlights the ongoing security challenges and threat of kidnapping in Nigeria. It raises concerns about the safety of academics and the need for increased security measures to protect citizens from such violent crimes.

Prior to his death, Prof. Olomojobi had raised concerns about the dire security situation in the country in a last interview. He advised the government to be firm and resolute in punishing kidnappers and terrorists to serve as a deterrent. Olomojobi had recently launched a book on the convergence between international human rights law and international humanitarian law. He emphasized the importance of implementing the recommendations of the EndSARS reports and addressing corruption and regional imbalances in Nigeria.

Prof. Yinka Olomojobi had been a professor at Babcock University since 2011, where he taught until his tragic death. He held a Bachelor's degree in law from Ogun State University, and earned his Master's and Doctoral degrees from the University of Liverpool and Lancaster University in England. The loss of Prof. Olomojobi is a blow to the academic community and the fight for human rights and gender equality in Nigeria.

Key Takeaways

• Prof. Yinka Olomojobi, a human rights professor, was killed by kidnappers in Ogun, Nigeria.
• Authorities are investigating the motive and circumstances behind the suspected kidnapping and killing.
• Babcock University has notified the professor's family and is assisting in the investigation.
• The killing highlights ongoing security challenges and the threat of kidnapping in Nigeria.
• Prof. Olomojobi had raised concerns about the security situation and advocated for addressing corruption.