By Joy Ade
In a startling turn of events, Adebayo Pelumi, the man accused of murdering photojournalist Ayo Aiyepekun in Lokoja, Kogi State, has been found dead in what appears to be a suicide.
According to sources, Pelumi was discovered lifeless in a hotel room on Thursday afternoon, a day after he checked into the establishment located in the heart of Lokoja. A staff member at the hotel, who requested anonymity, revealed that Pelumi had lodged on Wednesday and was found unresponsive around 1 p.m. by hotel staff during routine checkout procedures.
Hotel management quickly alerted law enforcement. Upon arrival, police officers identified Pelumi as the prime suspect in the murder of Aiyepekun. Inside the room, authorities reportedly found a bottle of soft drink and a container of Sniper, a lethal pesticide commonly used in suicide cases in Nigeria.
The body was later transported to the mortuary at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, as investigations continue.
Gruesome Details Emerge from Eyewitness Account
A close associate of the late journalist, who works with InsideStory Online Media, recounted chilling details leading up to the murder. According to the witness, the incident occurred when Pelumi called Aiyepekun under the guise of needing assistance at his poultry farm, which is located in the same compound as their media office.
The witness stated that Pelumi was unaware others were present in the office that evening. When Aiyepekun stepped out to meet him around 7:30 p.m., he was allegedly attacked with a metal object and bludgeoned to death.
“I saw him dragging Ayo’s body and placing it into a deep freezer,” the witness revealed. “Shortly after, he loaded the body into a Hilux van. That’s when I raised the alarm.”
Efforts to alert local security operatives were immediately made. Though vigilante groups responded swiftly, Pelumi had already fled the scene with the body. Upon searching the area, responders found blood stains around the poultry pen and inside the freezer, but the victim’s body was gone.
Car Chase and Escape
Later that night, Pelumi reportedly returned to the compound unaware that the area was under surveillance. Upon spotting the vigilantes, he attempted to flee in his van, resulting in a high-speed chase. His vehicle crashed during the pursuit, and he escaped on foot. The vehicle, according to eyewitnesses, was stained with human blood, intensifying suspicions of foul play.
Domestic Issues May Have Played a Role
Additional details have since emerged suggesting that Pelumi had a history of domestic violence. Sources close to his family confirmed that his wife had left him two months earlier due to persistent abuse. Police are investigating whether these personal issues contributed to his actions.
The case had been formally reported to the Kogi State Police Headquarters prior to the discovery of Pelumi’s body, and investigators were actively pursuing leads when news of the apparent suicide broke.
While the exact motive remains unconfirmed, speculation is rife, with some fearing the murder may have ritualistic undertones, given the brutal nature of the killing and the circumstances surrounding the disposal of the body.
Authorities have promised a full investigation into the matter to ensure justice for the slain journalist and clarity on the suspect’s final actions.
