Body of man found in Badagry pond after telling wife ‘I’m off to a party’
The normally tranquil Bovita central community in Badagry, Lagos State, has been plunged into mourning following the brutal murder of a 28-year-old artisan, Ayienugba Ezekiel.
His lifeless body was discovered in an abandoned fish pond, with his hands tied firmly behind his back.
Saturday night, September 13, 2025, saw residents promptly notified of the news, which resulted in a mix of shock, fear, and unresolved concerns.
My world is shattered now — Widow
Saturday KIKI’S BLOG visit to the family’s modest home revealed a somber atmosphere, as the tragic event has left a void that may be unfillable for the young wife, 24-year-old Abiola.
Clasping her toddler son to her chest, she spoke in a stuttering tone, her eyes swollen from ceaseless tears. “On Saturday morning, my husband went out to watch football within the community.
Later, I called him because our gas ran out while I was cooking. He came back, took the cylinder, refilled it, and returned. After that, he went to the pig farm to feed his animals.”
Her voice shook as she remembered their last meal together: “That evening, we ate dinner before he told me, around 6 p.m., that he would be going to a birthday party.
When he didn’t return by 9 p.m., I started calling his phone, but it was unreachable. I was anxious because he generally didn’t stay out late.”
As Abiola recalled the moment, tears streamed down her face – her neighbour had brought the chilling news that a body had been found inside the old fish pond close to the party venue her husband had attended.
She stated: “We were unable to locate him at first when we arrived.
My elder brother entered the pond, searched, and eventually found my husband. His hands were tied behind his back.
This has left me shattered. We had been married for three years. He was eager to take our son to school for the first time on Monday.
Unfortunately, he won’t be able to fulfill this. I am now seeking justice for his murder.”
The body of Ayienugba Ezekiel was discovered lifeless in this pond.
Murder case
Ezekiel’s brother, Razak, revisited the distressing experience of rescuing his brother from the swampy pond.
“When I stepped into the pond, the water barely reached my waist. I methodically searched with my hands until I found him.
He was in a kneeling position with tied hands. We freed him, took pictures, and rushed him to Badagry General Hospital, but the doctor ultimately confirmed his fatality,” he narrated.
His voice took on a harder edge as he detailed the family’s rationale for suspecting murder. “What confirmed our suspicions that he hadn’t drowned was the absence of water when we compressed his stomach.
He was killed prior to being abandoned there.” The family then lodged a complaint at the police station and deposited his body at the mortuary around 2 a.m.
Party fight allegations
According to community sources, a physical confrontation took place at the party, and the celebrant reportedly ordered Ezekiel to be bound. Nevertheless, the details of what transpired afterwards remain unknown and are being probed by the Police.
A resident, identified only as Ben, observed that Ezekiel’s cry for help was inaudible due to the loud music.
Ben commented, “In this community, parties typically feature music so loud that it masks nearby events.
Therefore, many individuals did not realize what had occurred until Ezekiel’s body was discovered.”
Police intervene
The Lagos State Police Command has commenced an investigation into the matter, with the Badagry Division leading the inquiry.
Saturday Vanguard has learned that statements have been obtained from family members and eyewitnesses, while a search is ongoing to identify those present at the party.
Fear continues to grip the community of Bovita as residents grapple with the harsh reality of the killing.
Many have been reflecting on Ezekiel’s amiable nature, his dedication to his young family, and his sudden death, which has left his wife and toddler uncertain about their future.
ABOUT ME
I'm kiki Dovi Eric popularly known as kiki jagaban , a creative individual living in Nigeria, navigating the challenges of my twenties with social awkwardness. This blog chronicles my journey as a young adult seeking direction and purpose.
Through personal stories, experiences, and shared content, I'll provide insight into my life, encompassing both the positive and negative aspects. I'm aware that I still have much to learn and figure out, but I'm not alone in this. Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and together, let's work towards our goals.
