Suspect in Lee University threat identified, in custody

Students walk on a campus sidewalk at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., in this file photo.
Students walk on a campus sidewalk at Lee University in Cleveland, Tenn., in this file photo.
photo Olayinka Opaso

The suspect in Lee University's social media threat is now in custody, Cleveland police say.

Lee University student Olayinka Opaso, 18, from Nigeria, today confessed to a senior Lee University official about his involvement in the Yik Yak post describing potential threats to students, according to a release from the Cleveland Police Department.

The university brought in the Federal Bureau of Investigation to evaluate and address the threat.

Opaso was immediately placed into custody by Campus Security Director Matt Brinkman and taken to the Cleveland Police Department where he was interviewed by detectives, the release said.

Authorities say the university's move to increase police presence on campus brought attention to the matter, leading to the suspect's confession. Opaso is being charged with commission of an act of terrorism, which is a Class A felony.

Earlier report:

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