Shock and fear have gripped Bovita Central, a quiet community in Badagry, Lagos State, following the mysterious killing of 28-year-old artisan, Ayienugba Ezekiel, whose body was discovered in an abandoned fish pond with his hands bound behind his back.
The tragic discovery, made on the night of Saturday, September 13, 2025, has thrown the neighbourhood into mourning and raised urgent questions about what led to his gruesome death.
Widow in anguish
At the family home, Ezekiel’s wife, 24-year-old Abiola, sat heartbroken, clutching her toddler son. Fighting back tears, she recounted how her husband had spent the day running errands before attending a birthday party that evening.
By 9 p.m., his phone was switched off, sparking her worry. Hours later, neighbours brought the devastating news that a body had been sighted in the abandoned fish pond near the party venue. Her brother eventually found Ezekiel inside the water, kneeling with his hands tied.
“My world has been shattered,” Abiola sobbed. “We’ve only been married three years. He was so excited about taking our son to school for the first time on Monday. Now he’s gone. I just want justice for his murder.”
Family insists it was murder
Razak, the victim’s brother, who pulled the body from the swampy pond, said Ezekiel was already dead before being dumped there. “There was no water in his stomach. He didn’t drown. He was killed and thrown inside,” he said.
The family has reported the case to the police, and Ezekiel’s body has been deposited at the mortuary.
Alleged scuffle at party
Community sources claimed a fight broke out during the birthday celebration, with the celebrant allegedly ordering Ezekiel to be tied up. What happened afterwards remains unclear.
A resident, Ben, said the loud music at the party may have drowned out Ezekiel’s cries for help: “Nobody heard anything until his body was discovered.”
Police confirm probe
The Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that an investigation is underway. Statements have been taken from family members and eyewitnesses, while efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest those linked to the incident.
Meanwhile, residents of Bovita remain fearful, mourning a young man many described as jovial, hardworking, and devoted to his family — a life cut short in chilling circumstances. /With additional report from Vanguard