The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of Mr. Ayo Aiyepeku, a photo-journalist allegedly murdered by his colleague, Mr. Oluwapelumi Adebayo.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, made the disclosure on Monday in Lokoja during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).
According to Ovye-Aya, Aiyepeku’s decomposing body was discovered on Sunday evening in a bushy area near the WAEC office, Crusher Zone 8 axis of Lokoja, days after he was declared missing.
“Yes, the corpse of the photo-journalist has been found. It was discovered on Sunday evening somewhere around WAEC office, Zone 8 axis of Lokoja,” the spokesman said.
He further revealed that Aiyepeku was gruesomely murdered on the night of Tuesday, July 22, in an office located near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.
“The corpse has been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja,” Ovye-Aya added, noting that a discreet investigation was underway to uncover the circumstances surrounding the murder.
He appealed to the public, including the victim’s family and colleagues, to provide credible information that could aid police investigations.
Meanwhile, the deceased’s family has appealed to authorities for justice. Mr. Timothy Aiyepeku, the elder brother of the victim, and Dr. Ibikunle Jide, his uncle, urged the Kogi State Government and security agencies to uncover the truth behind Ayobami’s death.
“Now that the body has been found, we once again appeal to the Federal and Kogi governments and police authorities to uncover the mystery behind the killing,” they told NAN.
“We commend the Police for their efforts so far, and also appreciate the media for ensuring the incident received wide coverage and public attention.”
According to local accounts, the suspect, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, allegedly killed Aiyepeku, placed his body in a deep freezer, and later disposed of the remains.
The body was reportedly discovered by residents who were drawn to the area by a strong stench coming from a nearby bush. Upon sighting the decomposing corpse, they alerted the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu, who visited the scene with security operatives to oversee the recovery of the body.
The police have vowed to ensure justice is served as the investigation continues.
