Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A tight‑knit search operation involving police authorities, community volunteers, residents, and the family of a missing young man has continued in Lagos following the disappearance of Marvelous Arimobi, who went missing from a care facility in the Abule Egba community on Friday, March 10. The incident has drawn concern from local residents, disability advocates, and law enforcement, who are all urgently seeking information that could lead to his safe return.
According to multiple verified public alerts circulated by the family and shared on local media, Marvelous was last seen at around 3 a.m. on that Friday morning inside the hostel of Florence Home Care, a residential care facility located on Olufunnmilola Street in the Abule Egba district of Lagos State. He left the hostel late at night reportedly to use the facility’s toilets but failed to return. At the time of his disappearance, he was described as wearing a brown hostel knicker and matching footwear. Both the hostel gate keys and any direct witness accounts of his exit remain unaccounted for, prompting the belief that he may have left the premises on his own.
The alert emphasized that Marvelous is autistic, has a speech impediment, and is medically prone to seizures — conditions that significantly increase the danger he faces if he is lost, uncomfortable, or unable to locate help. Healthcare professionals and disability rights advocates have noted that individuals with autism can become disoriented or overwhelmed in unfamiliar urban environments, particularly at night or under stress, and may have difficulty seeking assistance from strangers. While no official medical assessment has been released publicly, those familiar with developmental disorders warn that time is a critical factor in such cases.
Family Appeal and Community Response
In their widely circulated appeal, Marvelous’s family described their deep distress and concern for his wellbeing, stressing that he is not verbally expressive and could struggle to communicate his needs to anyone he might encounter. The family urged the public to be vigilant and report any sightings or information to the nearest police station or directly to them via two dedicated contact lines: 0906 313 2589 and 0818 235 3482.
Efforts by local community groups have included distributing flyers with Marvelous’s description, organising search parties in key locations across Abule Egba and nearby neighbourhoods, and engaging with drivers, shopkeepers, and commuters to watch for someone matching his physical features and clothing. Digital campaigns on social platforms have kept the alert visible to thousands of users across Lagos and beyond, in hopes that the information will reach a wider audience.
Law Enforcement Involvement
Police sources confirm that the Lagos State Police Command has been notified and a formal missing person report has been filed. Patrols in and around Abule Egba and adjoining communities have been stepped up, though no official sightings have been confirmed publicly at this time. A police spokesperson reiterated that all available resources are being utilised, but emphasised that community cooperation is essential for progress. They urged anyone who believes they may have seen someone resembling Marvelous to contact the authorities immediately.
While law enforcement personnel strive to balance ongoing operations with formal procedures, they also expressed concern about misinformation spreading online. They caution that people should rely on official descriptions and direct family contact numbers rather than unverified posts.
Understanding the Risk: Autism and Vulnerability
Autism spectrum disorder often involves challenges with communication, social interaction, emotional regulation, and sensory sensitivity. For someone with a speech impediment as well, these barriers can make it especially difficult to navigate interactions with strangers. Disability specialists highlighted that autistic individuals can drift towards quieter, less populated spaces when anxious or confused — a behaviour that, in dense urban environments like Lagos, can lead to them becoming lost or immobilised.
Clinicians also point out that unfamiliar settings, loud sounds, and unpredictable crowds can increase stress levels for someone on the spectrum, making them more likely to hide or seek refuge rather than greet someone who might help. This behavioural context underscores the urgency of the search and explains why even small, seemingly insignificant leads could be crucial.
Public Guidance on Engagement
Police and the family have issued clear guidance to members of the public who think they may have seen Marvelous. Because he may not respond verbally if approached, they recommend that individuals use simple gestures, maintain calm, and immediately alert law enforcement or the listed family contacts rather than attempt to manage the situation alone. Law enforcement emphasises that trained responders are better suited to handle reunification safely — both for the missing person and for well‑intentioned bystanders.
In addition, officials have advised that people check common public spaces such as bus stops, parks, markets and transit points — particularly those where someone might seek shade, shelter, or a quieter environment during daylight hours.
Wider Social Impact and Forward Steps
The disappearance of Marvelous has resonated with many Lagos residents and sparked conversations about community safety, disability inclusion, and the responsibilities of caregiving institutions. Disability rights advocates have called for further awareness campaigns that can help the public identify and support individuals with special needs in emergencies. Some have also urged care facilities to review protocols that can prevent similar incidents, such as better monitoring systems and reinforced secure exits.
The family has also expressed their gratitude for the outpouring of concern, while continuing to appeal for actionable leads. Community organisers have pledged to maintain search efforts around the clock, and authorities have hinted that they may deploy additional resources if credible information emerges.
What Comes Next
As of this report, there has been no confirmed update on Marvelous’s whereabouts since his disappearance on March 10. Search operations remain active, with family, police, volunteers and neighbours all contributing to the effort. Anyone with relevant information is urged once more to contact the nearest police station or reach out directly to the family through the provided phone numbers.
The emotional weight of the situation — combined with the clinical risks associated with Marvelous’s conditions — has created a sense of urgency that transcends community boundaries. With collective attention focused on this case, those involved are hopeful that new information will soon lead to his safe return.
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