One year since his disappearance, the family of James Ayoola Olusola, a 400-level Computer Science student at the University of Lagos, has issued a desperate and emotional appeal to the authorities and the general public. Expressing the unbearable agony of his absence, the family is urging security agencies to intensify efforts to locate the young scholar, whose promising future remains overshadowed by this unexplained tragedy.
Seeking answers a year later, one of the Sooth News columnists Dr. Philip Bamiji Olusola recalls the moment his son’s professional journey was interrupted. Recounting the details of the young man’s placement, he stated:
” My last born, a 400 Level Computer Science student at UNILAG, began his SIWES (Students’ Industrial Work Experience Scheme) at AIICO Insurance Company in Ilupeju, Lagos.
”He was last seen on Thursday, 8th May 2025, around 4:30 p.m., according to his direct supervisor at the company.”
The statement went on to clarify that;
”Later that same day, he was reportedly sighted around 8:00 p.m. within the University of Lagos (UNILAG) campus – a day after the school authorities asked students to vacate the hostels, stating that they had completed their second semester examinations. James had been staying at Biobaku Hall and commuting to work from there until the eviction, which sadly triggered this unfortunate event.”
Dr. Olusola further disclosed that;
”Since then, all efforts to trace his whereabouts have been unsuccessful.
”The case was immediately reported to the police, and his photograph has been widely circulated on social media, particularly Facebook, to aid in the search. Regrettably, his whereabouts remain unknown.
”We have involved almost all relevant security agencies in the search. However, as people of faith, we also believe in divine tracking.
”The case of my missing son was initially reported at Sabo Yaba Police Station, Lagos. However, due to what we perceived as undue delay and lack of urgency, we were compelled to escalate our concerns by formally protesting to the Commissioner of Police.
”Subsequently, the case was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Panti, Lagos, for further investigation.”
Our legal counsel has formally petitioned the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) and the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lagos (UNILAG), highlighting the critical circumstances of the case. Furthermore, we have engaged all relevant security apparatuses, including the Force CID at Alagbon, the State Security Service (SSS), and the Department of State Services (DSS), to ensure no stone is left unturned.
”In response, the IGP Headquarters in Abuja deployed four detectives from its field operations unit to intensify the investigation. Despite this intervention, we have continued to receive the same response – there has been no significant update on the whereabouts of our son.”
Beyond the emotional agony, the search has taken a staggering financial toll. The family revealed the extent of their struggle, stating:
”So far, we have expended over Five Million Naira (₦5,000,000) on logistics and other related efforts in the course of searching for our child, all without success.”
The Olusola family has tendered a solemn open appeal to the public, inviting people of all faiths to join them in prayer for the safe return of their son. Their statement read:
“Kindly join us in calling upon this ever the same God, ever faithful, compassionate and ever caring God – the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob; the God of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego; the God of Daniel; the God of the Apostles – who sees all things and never sleeps nor slumbers – that James will be recovered ALIVE, safe, and unharmed in Jesus name”
Standing at the intersection of tireless action and unwavering faith, the family continues to push every legal boundary while looking toward a higher power. They shared:
”At this point, while we continue to engage all lawful means to pursue this matter, we have also committed the situation into God’s hands in prayer as we believe that there is nothing God cannot do. We remain hopeful and steadfast in our faith, trusting for divine intervention and the safe return of our son.”
