How a Motorcycle Rider Was Lured and Murdered by a Friend Over a Promised Loan in Ibadan

In a chilling case that has shocked residents of Ibadan, Oyo State, a 30-year-old commercial motorcyclist, Jamiu, was allegedly murdered after seeking financial assistance from a friend. The incident occurred on Sunday, November 16, in Operinde Village, via Circular Road, Idi Ayunre, leaving the community in disbelief.

According to eyewitness accounts and police sources, Jamiu’s body was discovered in the bush, stripped to his white boxers. His white T-shirt had been tied around his head to blindfold him, and his trousers were discarded nearby, partially covered by grass. His head had reportedly been smashed with a large stone, suggesting a violent and premeditated attack.

Jamiu, who lived in the Sanyo area, had been working along the Sanyo–Molete/Idi Arere route. Sources revealed that he had approached a fellow motorcycle rider, Taiwo, popularly known as FM, seeking help to improve his financial situation. FM, whom Jamiu considered a mentor and elder brother, had previously experienced a significant financial transformation that caught Jamiu’s attention. He hoped to secure a loan of N2 million to start a small business, either by selling goods supplied by FM or purchasing a motorcycle on installment.

Investigations indicated that FM and his accomplice, known as Lucky Star, allegedly lured Jamiu under the pretext of performing an oath-taking ritual connected to the promised loan. FM reportedly had a criminal history, including armed robbery, vehicle hijacking, and a previous stint in prison for hijacking a truck loaded with sugar. Upon his release, he allegedly resumed illegal activities, targeting cars, motorcycles, and tricycles across Oyo, Ogun, Osun, and Ekiti states.

According to sources, FM owned multiple tricycles and a car, which had fueled Jamiu’s appeal for assistance. On Saturday, November 15, FM contacted Jamiu, who then called his pastor to pray for favor before meeting FM. After that day, Jamiu could no longer be reached, prompting his family to report him missing to the Sanyo Police Station.

Police, with support from the Oluyole Security Surveillance Team (OSST), discovered Jamiu’s body while patrolling the area on Sunday. His identity was confirmed by the chairman of Sanyo park. Interrogations revealed that Lucky Star and FM had operated as interstate robbers, stealing parked vehicles, which they referred to as “gbe ‘le gbe” – a term meaning “you leave it, we steal it.” FM admitted to killing Jamiu with a stone during a ritual in which Lucky Star allegedly directed the proceedings, claiming he had been promised N50,000 for the act. Lucky Star, however, denied being present at the scene of the murder.

FM, who claimed to be a Christian and a former church drummer, confessed that he had lured Jamiu to Lucky Star’s Molete residence under the guise of training for a business venture. He admitted that he and Lucky Star had previously engaged in multiple criminal activities and had planned the killing to prevent Jamiu from revealing their schemes.

Authorities confirmed that Jamiu had purchased his motorcycle for N2.5 million just a week before his death, with payments still pending. The gruesome murder has since been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku, Ibadan, for further investigation.