The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the discovery of the body of Mr. Ayo Aiyepeku, a photojournalist reportedly killed by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.
The decomposed remains were found on Sunday evening in a bushy area near the WAEC office in Crusher Zone 8, Lokoja, according to the command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya.
“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 since been taken to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja.
The police have launched a discreet investigation to determine the full circumstances surrounding the murder.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Aiyepeku was killed on the night of Tuesday, July 22, inside an office near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.
Reports say the suspect stored the victim’s body in a freezer before disposing of it in the bush.
Authorities were alerted after locals detected a foul odor emanating from the area where the body was dumped.
Upon discovery, residents informed the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, who accompanied security personnel to oversee the recovery.
In response to the tragic news, the family of the deceased appealed for justice and a thorough investigation.
“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, alongside 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 added.
The family also called on Governor Ahmed Ododo to intervene personally and guarantee that those responsible face the law.
Meanwhile, the police have assured the public that they are pursuing all leads and that anyone involved will be held accountable.
“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 said.
