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"Adam"

The "Adam" torso case refers to the discovery of a young boy's torso in the River Thames, London, on September 21, 2001. The victim, believed to be between 5 and 7 years old, was of West African origin, and despite extensive investigations, including a focus on ritualistic killings, both his identity and the perpetrator remain unknown.

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Victim: Male child, estimated between 5-7 years old, of West African origin

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Perpetrator: Unknown


Date of Incident: September 21, 2001


Location: Tower Bridge, London

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​Key facts: 

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  • On 21 September 2001 a man spotted a torso with all limbs and head removed, in the waters of the River Thames. 

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  • He was found wearing bright orange shorts.

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  • Pathologist confirmed the boy had been dead for up to 10 days before discovery.

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  • The torso had been expertly dismembered and drained of blood.

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  • No immediate identification of the boy, leading to the police naming him "Adam."

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  • Investigation explored the possibility of a ritualistic murder.

 

  • Muti killings, common in parts of Africa, were considered but later dismissed in favour of a possible connection to Yoruba beliefs in Nigeria.

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  • The colour orange, associated with the shorts the boy was wearing, tied to the belief in resurrection.

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  • Isotope analysis suggested the boy was from Benin City, Nigeria.

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  • Investigators linked the organic material found in the boy's stomach to substances native to Nigeria.

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  • Extensive forensic testing narrowed the boy's time in the UK to a few days.

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  • Joyce Osagede, a Nigerian woman living in Scotland, was linked to the case but provided inconsistent accounts.

 

  • Kingsley Ojo, implicated in human trafficking, was investigated but never conclusively linked to the murder.

 

  • Despite several arrests and international cooperation, no solid leads have surfaced.

 

  • Despite advances in forensic science and multiple international investigations, the identity of "Adam" and the circumstances of his death remain unresolved.

 

  • The case is still open, with authorities urging anyone with information to come forward.

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