#JusticeForAusta: What We Know About Augusta Osedion's Death
In July, 21-year-old Augusta Osedion, an undergraduate of Lead University, Ibadan, Oyo State, was reportedly killed by her lover of three years, Benjamin Best—known as Killaboi, at Oral Estate, Ajah, Lagos State.
Augusta was reportedly stabbed to death by Benjamin after a heated argument between the two of them. It was discovered that Augusta called her mother—Onwabhagbe Cordelia on July 11, 2023, to report that she and her boyfriend had gotten into an argument. Despite Cordelia's efforts, Austa and her boyfriend just couldn't reconcile.
The problems began, however, when Augusta's mother was unable to get in touch with her daughter or her boyfriend via phone or any other means. Cordelia, alarmed by the turn of events, contacted her daughter's roommate, who in turn directed her to the boyfriend's home in Oral Estate, Ikota, Ajah.
According to Cordelia, who reported the case to the police on July 15, “When we got to my daughter’s boyfriend’s house, her Mercedes Benz C30 was parked in front of the building but the apartment was locked.”
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson of Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, said:
“Detectives led by DPO Ajah visited the scene and the door was forced open, only to discover the lifeless body of Augusta and the female genital chopped off, in a pool of her own blood. Corpse was recovered, despite its fast decomposing state. Marks of violence and signs of struggle were detected on the body, which was deposited at General Hospital mortuary, Yaba, for autopsy and preservation.
A note suspected to have emanated from the said Benjamin was recovered at the scene and treated as exhibit. Scene has been cordoned off to enable crime operatives gather evidence. Preliminary investigation is ongoing with a view to transferring the case to SCIID Panti, Yaba for discreet investigation.”
This was, however, since mid-July.
Meanwhile, the suspect—Benjamin, who is currently on the run, confessed to the crime on Instagram. He also confessed via his now-deleted Twitter page, @Vvs_crypt.
“I am truly sorry for the damage I have caused and the pain I have left, everything happened due to pain and betrayal, cheating, toxicity and all.
None of her body parts went missing. Nothing was intentional. We got into a fight and argument regarding something I rather not say in order to protect her image and respect for the dead.
But all that which led into argument and fight which led to her carrying a knife and stabbing then happened, which I wished never happened. I ran out of fear. I stabbed someone and didn’t know what to do at that point but nothing was intentional and none of her body parts was cut out.
I deeply regret and will give up myself and say nothing but the truth as I know I have only a few days on earth and only the truth can bring me peace and bring God’s acceptance.
I contacted her mom, yesterday, as well and I’m going to turn myself in and believe I deserve death now but regardless of anything, the truth deserves to be said and previewed and not manipulated.
I will turn myself in and pay with my own life. Whatever the fate is, I will take, including death as there is no justification for taking a life. I will be accountable," he had posted.
Benjamin Best is however yet to turn himself in and the police department has gone mute on the case, leading to several concerned Nigerians taking to X, (formerly Twitter), to call for Benjamin's arrest.
Sharing pictures of Augusta Osedion, @theoluwabukunmi wrote:
"This is Augusta Osedion, a 22yo with her whole life ahead of her. Unfortunately, Benjamin Best, her boyfriend of about 3 years cut that life short when he stabbed her in a heated argument and left her to die in July. He has continued his life like nothing happened. We know there’s nothing that can bring her back but for the sake of her mother who has cried out for justice, we call on all well-meaning Nigerians and all authorities in Nigeria to help us in delivering #JusticeForAusta"
The mother of the victim also broke her silence after the burial of her daughter was done, calling for justice as she disclosed the killer of her daughter is still walking freely.
Benjamin retaliated by trashing Augusta's mom on Instagram stories, calling her "evil" and implying that his girlfriend would still be alive if it weren't for her. He said Augusta's mom was hiding the truth while acting like she wanted justice. He claims that she is conflicted between wanting him to turn himself in to the police and protecting Augusta's privacy.
Benjamin claimed in his statement that he was finally ready to tell the "truth" about what had happened. He also posted a series of shocking allegations, in which he blamed his dead girlfriend's mother for the problems in his relationship with her daughter.
He claimed that his late girlfriend, Augusta, had made plans with her mother to financially exploit him and that Augusta attempted suicide after he uncovered pornographic content on her phone to protect the secret she and her mom kept hidden.
During their argument, he said, Augusta pulled a knife on him, but he was able to obstruct it. He admitted to retaliating, leading to her tragic death, which he claims to deeply regret.
Killaboi also shared a voice recording of a conversation between himself and Augusta’s mother discussing the explicit videos, as well as a video depicting a confrontation between him and Augusta during their relationship.