The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of a missing photojournalist, Ayobami Aiyepeku, who was allegedly murdered by his neighbour, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service.
Spokesperson of the Command, SP William Aya, disclosed the development on Monday in Lokoja, stating that Ayobami’s decomposing body was discovered on Sunday evening near the WAEC office in the Crusher Zone 8 area of Lokoja.
According to SP Aya, the murder occurred on the night of Tuesday, July 22, inside an office located around the Government House/GRA area. He said the corpse has been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital for further examination.
“The body was discovered following a tip-off from residents who were drawn to the area by a foul odour,” Aya explained. “We have commenced a discreet investigation to uncover the full details surrounding his death and call on the public to provide any credible information.”
The deceased’s elder brother, Timothy Aiyepeku, expressed the family’s grief and renewed calls for justice. “Now that Ayobami’s body has been found, we urge the Kogi State Government, the Federal Government, and the police to intensify efforts in unravelling the mystery behind this tragic incident,” he said. “We appreciate the media for amplifying our cries and the police for their efforts so far.”
The tragic discovery comes days after the prime suspect, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, who had reportedly gone into hiding, was found dead in a hotel room at Abidan 115 Hotel in Lokoja. Local authorities suspect he died by suicide.
Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, who visited the hotel, ordered its immediate closure and extended his condolences to the family and colleagues of the late journalist.
The case continues to generate public concern, with calls for a thorough investigation and justice for the slain photojournalist.
