28-Year-Old Artisan Found Dead in Badagry Pond After Telling Wife He Was Going to a Party

The Bovita central community in Badagry, Lagos State, has been thrown into mourning following the shocking death of 28-year-old artisan, Ayienugba Ezekiel, whose body was discovered in an abandoned fish pond with his hands tied behind his back.

The tragic incident occurred on the night of Saturday, September 13, 2025, spreading fear and unanswered questions across the community.

“My world has been shattered” — Widow

At the family’s modest home, grief hung heavy in the air. Ezekiel’s 24-year-old wife, Abiola, clutched their toddler as she recalled their last moments together.

“On Saturday morning, my husband went out to watch football within the community. Later, I called him because our gas ran out. He came back, took the cylinder, refilled it, and returned. After that, he went to the pig farm to feed his animals,” she narrated.

Later that evening, Abiola said, “We ate before he told me, about 6 p.m., that he was going to a birthday party. When he didn’t return by 9 p.m., I started calling his phone, but it was switched off. I was worried because he normally didn’t stay out late.”

The heartbreaking news came when a neighbour rushed to inform her that a body had been seen inside the abandoned fish pond near the party venue.

Her elder brother entered the pond and found Ezekiel’s lifeless body, tied and kneeling in the water. “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 is gone. I just want justice for his murder.”

“He didn’t drown” — Family insists

Her brother, Razak, who pulled Ezekiel out, described the chilling discovery.
“When I entered the pond, the water was only up to my waist. I searched until I felt him. He was kneeling, with his hands tied. We dragged him out and rushed him to Badagry General Hospital. But the doctor confirmed him dead,” he said.

He stressed the family’s conviction that Ezekiel was murdered. “When we pressed his stomach, no water came out. He was killed before being dumped there.”

Alleged fight at the party

Community sources alleged that a fight broke out during the birthday party, and the celebrant allegedly ordered Ezekiel to be tied. What transpired afterwards remains unclear, but police have since launched an investigation.

One resident, Ben, said loud music may have drowned Ezekiel’s cries for help. “In this community, when people host parties, the music is usually so loud that you can’t hear what’s happening nearby. That’s why nobody knew until his body was found.”

Police response

The Lagos State Police Command, through the Badagry Division, confirmed the case was under investigation. Statements have been taken from family members and eyewitnesses, while efforts are ongoing to track down those who attended the party.

Meanwhile, the Bovita community remains in shock as residents mourn a man remembered for his jovial nature, dedication to family, and life cut tragically short.

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