Missing Ekiti Man Found in Lagos Four Months Later After Ordeal

A 27-year-old man from Ekiti State, Emmanuel Otitoju, who went missing on March 23, 2025, has been found in Lagos four months later. The Foundation for Investigative Journalism (FIJ) tracked down Emmanuel in the Jibowu area of Lagos State, where he was found looking spent and unkempt.

According to FIJ, Emmanuel claimed he had been beaten by people in the community who accused him of being a thief and had just been released from the Kirikiri Maximum Security Prison. However, when asked about his arrest and detention, he was unable to provide coherent responses. A Google search on his name led FIJ to a Facebook post publicising his disappearance, which included contact information for his relatives.

FIJ contacted Emmanuel’s relatives, who confirmed they had been searching for him. After waiting for four hours, his uncle and aunt arrived at the scene, and FIJ accompanied them to the Olosan Police Station to document the incident. The family members revealed that it was not the first time Emmanuel had gone missing and that he had experienced mental health issues that made him incoherent and erratic. They promised to keep a closer eye on him in future.

The Ekiti State Police Public Relations Officer, Sunday Abutu, advised FIJ to report to the nearest police station, which they did. The incident highlights the importance of community vigilance and the need for support for individuals with mental health issues.