Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Pierre Antoine
The family of 20-year-old AbdulBasit Muhammad has appealed to the public for assistance in locating him after he went missing while travelling to complete his examination registration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Lagos State.
AbdulBasit was last seen on Thursday, February 12, 2026, after leaving his uncle’s residence in Igbede for Ajangbadi, an area within Lagos, where he intended to complete the biometric capturing process required for the national tertiary entrance examination.
According to Taiwo Adesina, the young man’s uncle, AbdulBasit departed the house around 8 a.m. carrying a shoulder bag, dressed in a polo shirt and shorts. Adesina explained that the candidate was expected to return later in the day since he normally combined daily activities with his preparation schedule.
The family’s concern escalated after AbdulBasit failed to return by nightfall, which was described as unusual behaviour given his reserved personality and predictable routine. Adesina said he reported the matter to the authorities on Friday, February 13, 2026, at the Ajangbadi Police Division after attempts to reach the young man through phone calls proved unsuccessful.
The disappearance became more alarming when unknown callers allegedly contacted the family demanding a ransom. According to Adesina, the callers requested ₦40,000 for the release of the missing candidate. The uncle stated that he informed the callers he could only raise ₦20,000 and subsequently transferred the amount, after which communication reportedly ceased.
The circumstances surrounding the payment remain unclear, and law enforcement authorities have not publicly confirmed whether the communication was verified as connected to the disappearance. Security experts often warn families against making ransom payments without official coordination, noting that such transactions can complicate investigations and potentially expose victims to greater danger.
Adesina told reporters that he informed the police about the ransom communication, providing available phone numbers and details of the conversation. However, he expressed frustration that no substantive update had been communicated to the family since the report was filed.
AbdulBasit is described by relatives as a quiet, reserved young man who rarely socialised or engaged in risky movements. Family members believe his personality makes it unlikely that he would voluntarily disappear without contacting close relatives.
Witnesses said the missing candidate was travelling to complete his registration at an examination centre associated with the national testing exercise administered by the examination board. The registration process, commonly known as biometric capturing, is a mandatory requirement for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Security and education stakeholders have expressed concern over the incident, noting the vulnerability of young examination candidates travelling alone in busy urban environments. Analysts say that major cities such as Lagos, with dense population movement and informal transport networks, can present challenges for tracking individuals without coordinated surveillance mechanisms.
Officials of the Lagos State Police Command were contacted for comment but had not provided an update at the time of this report. Spokesperson Abimbola Adebisi could not be reached via telephone, and a message sent through WhatsApp had not received a response.
Police authorities have previously urged families to report missing persons promptly and provide detailed descriptions, including clothing, physical appearance, last known location, and possible associates. Early reporting is considered critical in improving the chances of successful search and rescue operations.
The family has released basic information to assist public awareness. AbdulBasit was reportedly wearing a polo shirt and shorts when he left home, and he was carrying a bag over his shoulder. Anyone with credible information regarding his whereabouts has been asked to contact 09037316811.
Missing person cases involving young adults in urban centres have become a growing concern across Nigeria. Security analysts say that while some disappearances are later resolved as voluntary travel or communication breakdowns, others are linked to criminal abduction, trafficking, or other violent incidents.
Community members in Igbede and Ajangbadi have joined the search effort, circulating the missing person alert through local networks and social media platforms. Residents are calling for increased patrols and intelligence monitoring in areas surrounding transport routes and registration centres frequented by students during examination seasons.
Child protection and youth advocacy organisations warn that young people travelling alone for educational processes may be exposed to exploitation if proper safety planning is not observed. They recommend that families accompany candidates where possible or maintain real-time communication during travel.
Security observers have urged transport operators in the region to be vigilant and report suspicious situations involving unaccompanied youths who appear confused, distressed, or unable to provide clear destination information.
The incident has generated anxiety within the community, particularly among parents and guardians preparing children for the forthcoming academic examination cycle. Education stakeholders emphasise that examination bodies and security agencies may need to strengthen safety coordination around registration centres.
As search efforts continue, the family remains hopeful that AbdulBasit will be found alive and safe. Authorities have not confirmed whether any suspects are under active investigation or whether surveillance footage from nearby areas is being reviewed.
The case highlights broader concerns regarding the safety of young people navigating urban environments alone while pursuing educational opportunities. Experts argue that improved public awareness, stronger community policing, and faster information sharing between families and security agencies could help reduce the number of unresolved missing person cases.
For now, AbdulBasit Muhammad’s family waits anxiously for news, urging anyone with information to come forward. The search continues across Ajangbadi, Igbede, and surrounding neighbourhoods as relatives and community volunteers remain determined to bring the 20-year-old student home.
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