Divine Adili safely returned to Nigeria

Trisha Matabalan, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 26, 2026

(Photo courtesy: UAAP Media)

PHILIPPINES – On June 25, 2026, Ateneo de Manila University posted an update on the status of the remains of Ateneo Blue Eagles basketball player Divine Adili. He was sent home to Nigeria after his and teammate Rene Baterbonia’s unfortunate passing in Dipaculao, Aurora, on June 8, 2026. Though they were there for “team building”, the autopsy results stating the cause of death to be “asphyxia by drowning.”

In the recent statement, the university stated that the university representative, Fr Sigmund “Munching” de Guzman SJ accompanied Divine on his journey home and accompanied the Adili family as they received their son. They also showed gratitude towards the Nigerian Embassy in Manila, “whose Consul provided invaluable support throughout Divine’s repatriation, helping ensure his safe and dignified journey home.”

While the circumstances behind their passing haven’t been completely made clear, the National Bureau of Investigation formed a task force to investigate the deaths of both Adili and Baterbonia.