Tragedy took a deeper turn on Thursday as Adebayo Pelumi, the prime suspect in the brutal murder of photojournalist Ayo Aiyepekun, was found dead in a hotel room in Lokoja, Kogi State. Authorities believe he took his own life in a bid to evade justice.
Pelumi, a correctional officer, was alleged to have killed Aiyepekun in a horrifying attack on Tuesday night. According to reports, he struck the journalist multiple times with an iron rod, dismembered the body, and kept the remains in a freezer before fleeing the crime scene in a Hilux van.
In a shocking twist, the suspect checked into a hotel in Lokoja on Wednesday and was later found dead around 1:00 p.m. on Thursday by hotel staff, who entered the room after he failed to check out. A bottle of soft drink and a container of Sniper, a highly toxic pesticide, were reportedly found beside his lifeless body—strongly suggesting suicide.
Pelumi’s body has since been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja. The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident and assured the public that investigations into both deaths are ongoing.
The gruesome murder of Aiyepekun, followed by the suspected suicide of the alleged killer, has thrown the media community in Kogi State and beyond into mourning and confusion. Colleagues have described Aiyepekun as a committed professional, known for his integrity and dedication to visual journalism.
Civil society organizations and media practitioners have called for a thorough probe to uncover the full circumstances surrounding the tragic events. Many are demanding systemic reforms and increased protection for journalists across the country.
As investigations continue, both the family of the deceased journalist and the public await answers that will bring some measure of closure to this deeply disturbing case.
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