A 23-year-old citizen of the Central African Republic, identified simply as Banteme, has been found dead in his apartment in the Ijede area of Ikorodu, Lagos State, in what police suspect to be a case of suicide.
The incident occurred at Anuoluwapo Estate, Phase 2, Igbelara, where Banteme lived with a roommate, Achil Doungo.
According to reports, Doungo returned from work to discover the deceased hanging from the ceiling and immediately alerted neighbours and the police.
Counterinsurgency expert Zagzola Makama, who shared details of the case on X, said Banteme had left his office earlier in the day to prepare a meal but was later found lifeless in the kitchen.
Police operatives subsequently evacuated the body to Ikorodu General Hospital, where doctors confirmed him dead. His remains have since been deposited in the morgue for autopsy.
Confirming the development, Deputy Public Relations Officer of the Lagos State Police Command, Babaseyi Oluseyi, said the case was reported on Wednesday.
“It is suspected to be a suicide case, but the police are still conducting an investigation,” he stated in a telephone interview.
Neighbours and friends described the incident as shocking, noting that the deceased left no message or note explaining his action.
Banteme’s death adds to the growing number of suspected suicide cases across Nigeria.
Just last week, police in Anambra State rescued a man attempting to take his life by climbing a high-tension pole in the Awada area of Onitsha.
Mental health experts have repeatedly linked the rising trend of suicides to worsening economic hardship and its toll on the well-being of citizens.
