Students under the aegis of the National Association of Ogun State Students (NAOSS) and the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) staged a protest on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway. The demonstration was sparked by the disappearance of Quadri Adedamola Ogunbode, a 2024 graduate of Lagos State University (LASU), who went missing on February 17, 2025. Frustrated by what they described as a lack of action from law enforcement, the students took to the highway to demand an immediate response from authorities.
The protesters barricaded the Mowe end of the expressway, causing heavy gridlock that left motorists and commuters stranded for hours. Chanting solidarity songs and carrying placards with inscriptions demanding justice for Ogunbode, the students insisted that the Inspector General of Police (IGP) intervene in the case. Some of the protesters accused the police of not taking the disappearance seriously, arguing that the case should have been escalated much sooner.
Eyewitnesses reported that security forces, including personnel from the police and the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), arrived at the scene to manage the situation. However, tensions remained high as the protesters refused to clear the road until they received assurances that the case would be properly investigated. Some travelers expressed frustration over the disruption, while others sympathized with the students, acknowledging that their demand for justice was justified.
In response to the protest, the Ogun State Police Command released a statement assuring the public that efforts were underway to locate the missing graduate. They urged the students to remain calm and cooperate with the ongoing investigation. The police also emphasized the importance of peaceful engagement, warning against further disruptions to public movement. Meanwhile, human rights organizations have called for a thorough inquiry into the circumstances surrounding Ogunbode’s disappearance.
The protest highlights growing concerns over the safety of young Nigerians and the responsiveness of security agencies in handling missing person cases. Many have taken to social media to amplify the issue, with hashtags such as #JusticeForQuadri and #FindOgunbode trending. As the investigation unfolds, students and civil society groups have vowed to continue pressing for accountability, making it clear that they will not relent until Ogunbode is found.
