Mystery deepens over disappearance of 20 year old UTME applicant in Lagos

The disappearance of 20-year-old AbdulBasit Muhammad in Lagos has raised fresh concerns, after the young man reportedly went missing while attempting to complete his registration for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Unified Tertiary and Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Family members say AbdulBasit was last seen on Thursday, February 12, 2026, when he left his uncle’s residence in Igbede for Ajangbadi, where he was scheduled to undergo his JAMB biometric capturing.

According to his uncle, Taiwo Adesina, what should have been a routine academic errand has turned into a distressing ordeal. He said AbdulBasit left home at about 8 a.m, with the expectation that he would return later in the day.

“He left home around 8 am for his JAMB capturing in Ajangbadi. I expected him back at night because he usually goes to work afterwards and returns by 9 pm.

“I waited from 9 pm till late, but he never returned. This has never happened before, so I immediately reported to the police,” Adesina said.

The matter was reported at the Ajangbadi Police Division on Friday, February 13, 2026, but the family says it has yet to receive any concrete update regarding his whereabouts.

In a disturbing development, Adesina revealed that before the police report was filed, unknown callers contacted the family demanding N40,000 in exchange for AbdulBasit’s release.

“Before reporting, some people called demanding N40,000 for his release. I told them I only had N20,000 and sent it. Since then, their numbers have not been reachable. I informed the police about everything.”

Describing the missing 20 year old as quiet and reserved, Adesina added: “He was wearing a polo shirt and shorts, with a bag across his shoulder, when he left home.” He appealed to members of the public for assistance, saying, “I am appealing to the public to help us find him. I can be reached on 09037316811.”