By : Ahmed Muhammed Danasabe
Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria - July 24, 2025 (Series News Online)
A correctional officer from Benue State, DSP Adebayo Pelumi, accused of fatally attacking photojournalist Ayo Aiyepekun on Tuesday evening, has been found dead in a Lokoja hotel, having taken his own life. This development occurred just 24 hours after the initial murder, plunging Lokoja, Kogi State, into heightened tension.
According to eyewitnesses, Adebayo Pelumi checked into the hotel on Wednesday afternoon and was discovered deceased on Thursday around 1pm by hotel staff, who then alerted the authorities. The police confirmed the identity of the deceased as their primary suspect in the journalist's murder.
Kogi State Police Spokesperson, SP William Ayah, verified the incident, stating, "The suspect committed suicide in a hotel on Thursday, and the management of the hotel alerted us." He further disclosed that the suspect's remains have been transferred to the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja mortuary for proper handling.
In a related development, the local advocacy group, Right Thinking Citizens, has refuted claims that the murder scene was located within an annex of the Kogi State Government House. Thompson Adegbola Idowu, the group's Convener, clarified, "There is presently a wrong impression and information making the rounds that the location where a young photographer named Aiyepeku Ayo was murdered by a suspected murderer named Adebayo Pelumi is an annex of the Kogi State Government House. This submission is far flung from the truth, and that is why there is the need to put the records straight."
Right Thinking Citizens further explained that the actual location of the incident was the office of an independent news blog called Inside Story, which is not affiliated with the Kogi State Government. They stressed that the only government-owned media outlet in the state is the Graphic Newspaper, a weekly publication.
The group denounced attempts to implicate the Kogi State Government in the murder, stating, "We do not expect anyone to come up with a cock and bull story targeted at painting Kogi State Government black in this ungodly and inhumane act that a heartless citizen decides to carry out for reasons best known to him." They expressed confidence in the security operatives' efforts to ensure justice is served.
Similarly, the statement from Right Thinking Citizens urged the public to exercise caution when sharing information on social media, advising, "The public is therefore advised to refrain from comments, writing of posts or voice notes on social media platforms that may put them in trouble should they cannot come up with concrete evidence. The State Government and security operatives will surely keep them abreast of the progress made to pin down the perpetrator of this evil act."
As the situation unfolds, residents of Lokoja are left with numerous questions, particularly regarding the whereabouts of the photojournalist's body. Many are seeking clear explanations from the authorities and calling for a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Tags
Crime