The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the decomposing body of photojournalist, Ayo Aiyepeku, who was allegedly murdered by an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, in Lokoja.
Police spokesperson William Aya, while briefing journalists, disclosed that Aiyepeku’s remains were discovered on Sunday evening in a bush at Zone 8, near the JAMB office in Lokoja. The grim discovery followed reports from residents who alerted authorities about a foul odour in the area.
Aya revealed that the corpse has been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital morgue, adding that a thorough investigation is underway to uncover the facts behind the tragic incident. He urged members of the public, especially the victim’s family and colleagues, to provide credible information that can assist law enforcement in their investigation.
In response, Kogi State Governor, Usman Ododo, has pledged that justice will be served. In a statement released by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, the governor directed security agencies to leave no stone unturned in investigating the brutal murder.
“The government is fully committed to ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous crime face the full wrath of the law,” the statement read. The state also assured that ongoing investigations into the murder and the subsequent death of the prime suspect, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, will be thorough and transparent.
The grieving family of Ayo Aiyepeku has appealed to the police and the state government for justice. Timothy Aiyepeku, the deceased’s elder brother, alongside his uncle Ibikunle Jide, called on authorities to ensure that those responsible are held accountable.
Recall that Aiyepeku was reportedly murdered last Tuesday night inside an office near the Kogi Government House. After the crime, the suspect allegedly stored the journalist’s body in a deep freezer before later dumping it in the bush where it was eventually discovered.
Authorities are intensifying efforts to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the murder and have called on the public to support the investigation by providing vital information.
