In a deeply disturbing turn of events, the Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the lifeless body of a Lokoja-based photojournalist, Ayo Aiyepeku, who was allegedly murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.
The tragic incident, which has sent shockwaves across Kogi’s media community, occurred on July 22, but the victim’s body was only discovered on Sunday, near the WAEC office in Lokoja, following an intensive search by both the police and concerned residents.
According to police sources, Adebayo, now in custody, reportedly killed Aiyepeku in cold blood and stored his body in a freezer for days before dumping it in a nearby bush. The motive for the crime remains unclear, but investigators are said to be probing professional rivalry, personal grievances, and possible financial disputes between the two journalists.
The late Aiyepeku, known for his passionate and fearless lens work, was reported missing days earlier, prompting alarm among friends and family who tirelessly searched for him until the grim discovery.
The victim’s grieving family has called on Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo and relevant security agencies to ensure swift and uncompromising justice, stating that such heinous crimes must not go unpunished. “This is not just a murder; it’s a betrayal of brotherhood and the press community. We demand justice for Ayo,” a family spokesperson declared.
The Kogi Police Command has assured the public that investigations are ongoing and that all those found complicit will face the full wrath of the law.
This tragic case highlights the growing concerns over journalists' safety, even among peers, and raises urgent questions about mental health, rivalry, and professional ethics within the media industry.
More updates are expected as the investigation unfolds.
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