Kogi journalist murdered by colleague, Police recover body

The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of Mr. Ayo Aiyepeku, a photojournalist allegedly murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, in Lokoja.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, told our correspondent on Monday that the body was discovered on Sunday evening around the WAEC office in the Crusher Zone 8 axis of the state capital.

According to Ovye-Aya, Aiyepeku was killed on the night of Tuesday, July 22, in an office located near the Government House/GRA area. “Yes, the corpse has been found,” he confirmed. “It has been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital in Lokoja. A discreet investigation is ongoing to determine what truly happened.”

Sources reveal that the suspect allegedly stored Aiyepeku’s body in a freezer before later dumping it in a bush. The discovery was made by residents who noticed a foul smell and traced it to the decomposing remains. Alarmed, they alerted local authorities.

Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, reportedly visited the scene alongside security operatives to oversee the recovery of the body.

The victim’s family has called on the Kogi State Government and the police to ensure justice is done. Mr. Timothy Aiyepeku, the deceased’s elder brother, and his uncle, Dr. Ibikunle Jide, made a public appeal for the truth to be uncovered and for those responsible to be held accountable.

“Now that the body has been found, we appeal to both the federal and state governments to get to the root of this killing,” the family stated. “We also commend the police for their efforts and the media for bringing attention to the case.”

The incident has shocked many across the state, prompting calls for a thorough and transparent investigation.