The Kogi State Police Command announced that Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, the suspected assailant in the murder of photo-journalist Mr. Ayo Aiyepeku, appears to have taken his own life. SP Williams Ovye-Aya, the spokesperson for the command, shared this information on Thursday in Lokoja. He revealed that Pelumi’s body was found in a hotel room in Lokoja just hours after police initiated a manhunt for him on Wednesday. “The hotel staff notified us early Thursday about a corpse in one of the rooms. Upon arrival, we identified the deceased as the suspect linked to the murder of the photo-journalist. A suicide note and a bottle of Sniper insecticide were discovered beside his bed in the hotel room,” he stated. Pelumi’s remains have been sent to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for an autopsy to ascertain the exact cause of death. Ovye-Aya mentioned that Aiyepeku was violently killed on Tuesday evening in an office located close to the Government House/GRA in Lokoja. He confirmed that the Hilux vehicle believed to have been used by Pelumi has been recovered and is currently stored at the ‘A’ Division station, along with a deep freezer found in the vehicle. Regarding Aiyepeku’s body, Ovye-Aya noted that efforts to locate it are ongoing. The Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has directed the case be handed over to the State Criminal Investigation Department for a thorough investigation. “A detailed inquiry will aid in uncovering the truth of the situation,” Ovye-Aya stated while urging the victim’s family, friends, and the public to share credible information to assist in the investigation. Previously, Aiyepeku’s family made a strong request to the police and the Kogi government for justice. Chief James Aiyepeku, the victim’s father, claimed his son was coldly murdered and called for justice, describing Ayobami as a gentle, hardworking individual without any known workplace conflicts in the past four years. He urged Governor Ahmed Ododo and the security forces to help recover his son’s body and ensure the responsible individuals are punished. Timothy Aiyepeku, the victim’s elder brother, and their uncle, Dr. Ibikunle Jide, also asked for justice, with Timothy stating, “As I speak, we are still in search of my younger brother’s body.” He characterized Ayobami as compassionate, modest, and diligent, asserting that the family merits justice for his premature death. He called on the Federal and Kogi governments, along with law enforcement, to reveal the truth behind the murder. Dr. Jide praised the police for their quick action but urged them to enhance their efforts in locating Ayobami’s body. He emphasized the need for the government to take initiative, as collective action is crucial to swiftly recover the body. “We also appreciate the media for their role in ensuring this incident receives widespread attention and coverage,” he added.
