Woman links sister’s kidnapping, murder to domestic dispute

Akinpelu Opeyemi has come forward with a harrowing account of the kidnapping and murder of her sister, Akinpelu Latifat, alleging the tragedy is rooted in a volatile dispute with her in-laws.

According to Opeyemi, the crisis originated from persistent threats and hostility from her husband’s family, which had already caused severe emotional distress.

In an attempt to de-escalate the tension, Latifat reportedly confronted the in-laws to demand an end to the harassment. However, Opeyemi claims this intervention only caused the situation to deteriorate further.

The timeline of the tragedy began on March 4, 2025, when Latifat informed her family she was leaving the house and hailed a cab. When she failed to return or answer her phone, the family’s concern grew. Their worst fears were soon confirmed by a call from kidnappers who claimed responsibility for the abduction and demanded a ransom. Despite desperate efforts, the family was unable to meet the kidnappers' financial demands.

The search ended in tragedy on March 18, 2025, when Latifat’s body was discovered by a passerby along the Lagos–Ibadan Expressway.

Police authorities evacuated the remains and initiated identification procedures. Opeyemi noted that the family first learned of the discovery through media reports before formally identifying Latifat at the police station.

"This incident has left me traumatized and living in constant fear," Opeyemi stated. She maintains a direct link exists between the prior threats issued by her husband’s family and her sister’s ultimate demise.

Law enforcement agencies have confirmed that investigations are ongoing. Authorities are currently working to verify the allegations of domestic threats and determine the full circumstances surrounding the abduction and murder.