The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of Mr. Ayo Aiyepeku, a photojournalist who was allegedly murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the decomposing remains of Aiyepeku were discovered on Sunday evening in a bushy area near the WAEC office in Crusher Zone 8, Lokoja.
“Yes, the corpse of the photojournalist has been found. It was discovered on Sunday evening around the WAEC office axis,” Ovye-Aya told the News Agency of Nigeria.
“The body has been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja, and a discreet investigation is ongoing to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the murder.”
The police say preliminary findings suggest that Aiyepeku was killed on the night of Tuesday, July 22, in an office close to the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja. After the murder, the suspect reportedly stored the body in a freezer before disposing of it.
Local residents alerted authorities after a foul smell led them to the bush where the corpse was dumped. Upon discovering the body, they contacted the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, who visited the scene with security operatives to facilitate the recovery.
Reacting to the development, the deceased’s family made a heartfelt appeal to the police and state authorities, urging a thorough investigation and justice for Aiyepeku.
“We appreciate the efforts made by the police so far and commend the media for keeping the issue in the public domain,” said Mr. Timothy Aiyepeku, the elder brother of the deceased, and Dr. Ibikunle Jide, an uncle to the late journalist.
“But now that his body has been found, we are pleading with the Kogi State Government, the Federal Government, and security agencies to ensure justice is served,” they said.
The family also called on Governor Ahmed Ododo to personally intervene and ensure the perpetrators are brought to book.
Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that all leads are being followed and that anyone found culpable will face the full wrath of the law.
“We urge members of the public, the media, and the victim’s colleagues to assist the police with any credible information that could aid this investigation,” SP Ovye-Aya added.
