Three men, including a former security guard, have been arrested by the Ogun State Police Command in connection with the killing of former Ogun State Television broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
The arrests were announced on Thursday by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Ojajuni said the breakthrough followed extensive intelligence gathering, forensic examinations and technical tracking conducted by detectives investigating the deaths.
According to him, police received a report on June 21 concerning unusual circumstances at Oyesiku’s residence in the Owode-Egba area of the state.
“Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention,” he said.
Upon arriving at the scene, detectives discovered Adetayo’s lifeless body inside the security post, while Oyesiku was found dead in the living room of her home.
“The crime scene was scientifically processed. Preliminary investigation further revealed that a Lexus RX 330 vehicle belonging to the deceased was missing from the compound, raising suspicion of robbery and murder,” he added.
The police commissioner stated that investigators later recovered the missing vehicle despite efforts by the suspects to disguise its identity.
He further revealed that a handwritten note allegedly left at the scene played a crucial role in the investigation.
“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime,” he said.
The principal suspect, identified as 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta. Two other suspects, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, were later apprehended.
Ojajuni said Philip confessed to taking part in the killings and implicated the other suspects.
“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to participate in the crime,” he said.
According to the commissioner, Philip told investigators that he orchestrated the attack due to grievances stemming from his previous employment as Oyesiku’s security guard.
“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,’” he added.
Police said the suspects first subdued Adetayo and used him to gain entry into the residence before allegedly killing both victims and making away with Oyesiku’s Lexus vehicle.
Investigators also recovered several items believed to be connected to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a wooden plank and a black pen.
Ojajuni assured residents that the investigation remains ongoing and pledged that all those involved would face prosecution in line with the law.
