The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the remains of Ayo Aiyepeku, a photojournalist allegedly murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Police Public Relations Officer Williams Ovye-Aya disclosed the development on Monday in Lokoja, the state capital.
Ovye-Aya revealed that Aiyepeku’s body was discovered on Sunday evening near the WAEC office around the Crusher Zone 8 area of Lokoja.
“Yes, the corpse of the photojournalist has been found. It was discovered on Sunday evening somewhere around the WAEC office, Zone 8 axis of Lokoja,” NAN quoted him as saying.
He noted that the remains have been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja, adding that a thorough investigation is underway to determine the full circumstances of the incident.
He also called on members of the public, colleagues, and family of the deceased to assist with credible information to aid the ongoing probe.
Meanwhile, the family of the late photojournalist has issued an emotional plea to the police and Kogi State Government, calling for justice.
Timothy Aiyepeku, the elder brother of the deceased, alongside his uncle, Ibikunle Jide, urged Governor Ahmed Ododo and relevant security authorities to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice.
“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,” they said.
“We commend the police for their effort so far and the media for ensuring the incident receives wide coverage and public attention.”
According to Ovye-Aya, the suspect Oluwapelumi Adebayo allegedly killed Aiyepeku on the night of Tuesday, July 22, in an office located near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.
The suspect reportedly placed the body in a deep freezer before disposing of it.
Reports indicate that the decomposing body was discovered by residents of the area who were drawn to a nearby bush due to a strong foul smell.
Upon finding the corpse, residents alerted Abdullahi Adamu, the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, who arrived with security personnel to secure the scene and recover the body.