THE Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the body of a slain photojournalist, Mr. Ayo Aiyepeku, who was allegedly killed by his neighbour, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, in Lokoja, the state capital.
The disturbing discovery was made on Sunday evening, with the body found in a bush near the WAEC office in the Crusher Zone 8 area of the city.
Police say the recovery followed days of investigation after the victim was reported missing last Tuesday, July 22.
Speaking to journalists on Monday in Lokoja, the spokesperson for the state police command, SP Williams Aya, confirmed the development and said a full investigation is now underway to unravel the motive and circumstances surrounding the journalist’s killing.
“Yes, the corpse of the photojournalist has been found. It was discovered on Sunday evening somewhere around WAEC office, Zone 8 axis of Lokoja,” SP Aya said.
“The corpse has been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja. A discreet investigation is ongoing to uncover what truly happened.”
SP Aya further stated that the deceased, Ayobami Aiyepeku, was murdered in an office located near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja by his alleged killer and neighbour, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.
Meanwhile, the family of the late journalist has appealed to the police authorities, the Kogi State Government, and the Federal Government to ensure a thorough investigation and deliver justice.
Mr. Timothy Aiyepeku, the elder brother of the deceased, commended the efforts of the police and members of the media, noting that widespread coverage helped keep public attention on the case.
“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,” he said.
“We commend the Police for their effort so far, and the media for ensuring the incident received wide coverage and public attention.”
Local residents in the Crusher area were reportedly the first to discover the corpse after they were drawn by a foul odour coming from a nearby bush. Upon investigation, they stumbled upon the decomposing remains and immediately alerted the authorities.
Police have not yet confirmed if any arrests have been made, but the suspect, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, is at the center of the ongoing inquiry.
SP Aya urged the public, journalists, and the family of the deceased to come forward with any credible information that could aid the investigation.
“We are calling on members of the public to assist with any useful information that can help us bring all involved to justice,” he said.