(Infographics generated by AI)
The Oyo State Police Command has launched a full-scale investigation into the death of an unidentified teenage boy, whose body was discovered in the swimming pool of the University of Ibadan on Thursday evening, raising suspicions of foul play.
The body of the male, believed to be between 14 and 15 years old, was found at about 5:00 p.m. on March 26, 2026, within the university premises.
Preliminary findings indicated that the deceased was not a student of the institution.
Police authorities, who confirmed the incident, said the case is being treated as a suspected murder following disturbing observations at the scene.
The Police Public Relations Officer for Oyo State Police Command,, Ayanlade Olayinka, disclosed that detectives noticed bruises on the victim’s nose, with blood oozing from his mouth and nose. Blood stains were also found within the pavilion area of the swimming pool.
According to police accounts, information about the incident was first received from the university’s Chief Security Officer, prompting a swift response from detectives who visited the scene.
By the time they arrived, the body had been removed from the pool and placed beside it. Personal items believed to belong to the deceased, including a pair of shoes and a shirt, were recovered near the pool.
Earlier indications suggested the incident might have occurred between the late hours of Wednesday, March 25, and the early hours of Thursday, March 26.
A pool attendant who resumed duty Thursday morning reportedly saw drenched clothes by the poolside but assumed the owner would return, unaware that the individual was already in the water.
Sources further hinted that the teenager might have gained access to the facility by climbing over the fence after it had been closed, as no authorised users were expected at the time. He was also believed to have been alone.
The remains were evacuated to the General Hospital, Adeoyo, Ibadan, where he was confirmed dead on arrival and deposited at the hospital’s mortuary.
Reacting to the incident, the Students’ Union President of the institution, Adeboye Temidayo, urged students to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information, especially on social media.
He assured that the union is liaising with relevant authorities and would provide updates as investigations progress.
The police have appealed to members of the public to stay calm and cooperate with ongoing efforts to unravel the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident.