SCHOCKING: Teacher Nathaniel Baiyegun Allegedly Kidnaps, Kills 16-Year-Old WAEC Candidate
A private school teacher in Ogun State, Nathaniel Baiyegun, has been arrested for allegedly abducting and killing a 16-year-old WASSCE candidate who was once his student. According to police investigations, the suspect lured the teenager under the guise of academic coaching, held her in an uncompleted building, and later demanded ransom from her family. He reportedly confessed to spending the ransom money on online sports betting.
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A shocking incident in Ogun State has sparked outrage and renewed conversations around student safety, online betting addiction, and the abuse of trust by educators after a private school teacher was arrested over the alleged killing of his former student.
The suspect, identified as 30-year-old Nathaniel Baiyegun, was accused of abducting and killing a 16-year-old WASSCE candidate, Florence, before allegedly demanding ransom from her family and spending the money on online sports betting.
According to reports, the teenager had previously attended the school where Baiyegun taught Physics and Further Mathematics. Investigators revealed that the suspect allegedly lured the girl under the pretext of attending an academic coaching session before events took a tragic turn.
Police sources disclosed that Baiyegun reportedly reconnected with Florence after she left his former school. During the investigation, authorities alleged that the teacher attempted to involve her in a relationship with one of his friends and later held her in an uncompleted building.
The suspect allegedly administered multiple doses of sleeping tablets to the teenager after she complained of being unable to sleep in the abandoned structure. He later claimed her death was accidental after discovering she was gasping for breath upon his return from an outing.
Investigators further alleged that after believing the teenager had died, Baiyegun disposed of her body in a river in Ogijo. Despite this, he reportedly continued ransom negotiations with the victim’s father and eventually received N500,000.
In his confessional statement, the suspect admitted to spending most of the ransom money on online sports betting, saying he regretted his actions afterward.
The case has raised serious concerns about the growing dangers of gambling addiction among young Nigerians and adults alike. Experts have repeatedly warned that unchecked betting habits can lead to desperation, poor decision-making, and criminal behavior when individuals become financially unstable.
Beyond the issue of gambling, the incident has also reignited conversations about the importance of safeguarding students and maintaining professional boundaries between teachers and learners. Many Nigerians have expressed concern over how trusted authority figures can exploit vulnerable young people.
Reacting to the development, the spokesperson for the Ogun State Police Command, Oluseyi Babaseyi, assured residents that security agencies remain committed to dismantling criminal networks across the state.
The police also commended the efforts of Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni and senior officer Olatunji Disu for supporting intelligence-driven operations aimed at tackling kidnapping and violent crimes. Authorities urged residents to remain vigilant, be mindful of the people they trust, and continue providing useful information that could help security agencies prevent similar tragedies in the future.
