The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the decomposing body of photojournalist Ayobami Aiyepeku, who was allegedly murdered by his neighbour and acquaintance, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, a staff member of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS).
According to the command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Aya, the remains of Aiyepeku were found in a bush behind the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) office, located in the Crusher Zone 8 area of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital.
Aya told reporters on Monday, July 28, that the body was discovered the previous evening, Sunday, July 27, following a distress call from concerned residents.
Locals had reportedly raised an alarm after perceiving a strong foul odour emanating from the bush, prompting security officials and community leaders to investigate. Upon arrival, the gruesome discovery was made.
The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Abdullahi Adamu, who visited the scene alongside law enforcement officers, officially confirmed the identity of the deceased. The body was subsequently evacuated and deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital morgue.
Preliminary investigations suggest that the late journalist was lured to an undisclosed location—believed to be a poultry farm—on July 22, near the Government House and GRA axis of Lokoja, where he was killed. Eyewitnesses and police sources allege that Pelumi Adebayo struck Aiyepeku with a metal object before reportedly dismembering his body.
Just days after the suspected murder, on Thursday, July 24, Pelumi Adebayo was found dead in a room at Abidan 115 Hotel in Lokoja. Witnesses at the hotel indicated that the suspect died by suicide.
In response, the Kogi State Government ordered the immediate sealing of the hotel premises on Friday, citing the need to preserve potential evidence and enable a comprehensive investigation by security operatives.
SP Aya disclosed that a discreet investigation is ongoing to unravel the full circumstances surrounding the journalist’s death. He appealed to members of the public, including family members and colleagues of the deceased, to come forward with any useful information that could assist the police in their investigation.
In the aftermath of the incident, Timothy Aiyepeku, elder brother of the deceased, called on the Federal Government and Kogi State authorities to ensure that justice is not only pursued but also served. “We appreciate the efforts of the police so far and commend the media for keeping this matter in public view,” he stated.
As the community mourns the loss of a respected media professional, authorities continue to dig into the chilling details of the crime, while family and friends demand justice and accountability.