Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, was plunged into mourning on Tuesday night following the gruesome murder of a young photojournalist, Aiyepeku Ayo, by his neighbour, identified as Adebayo Pelumi.
According to KogiReport.com, the tragic incident occurred at a residence in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Lokoja, where both the victim and the suspect lived.
Eyewitness accounts revealed that Ayo, who was working on photo and video editing in his office within the compound, was lured by Adebayo to assist with a poultry-related task. Unbeknownst to the suspect, Ayo was not alone in the office.
“Around 7:30 pm, the suspect called him out. Once Ayo stepped outside, Adebayo attacked him with an iron rod, hitting him repeatedly until he died,” a source who requested anonymity told reporters.
After the killing, the suspect allegedly dismembered Ayo’s body, placed the remains in a freezer he had brought along, and locked the second eyewitness in a room upstairs before fleeing the compound with the freezer in his vehicle.
The eyewitness later managed to alert local vigilantes, who quickly responded and rescued him. Security agencies were immediately informed.
In a dramatic turn, the suspect reportedly returned toward the house but fled again upon seeing vigilantes stationed nearby.
He sped off toward Nataco Junction, prompting a chase by security operatives. During the pursuit, a shot was fired, and another vehicle rammed into his from behind. The suspect abandoned his car and escaped into a nearby bush.
“The police later recovered both the vehicle and the freezer. However, the freezer was empty, suggesting he may have disposed of the body or handed it over to an accomplice,” the source added.
The suspect, Adebayo Pelumi, is said to hail from Odo Akodi compound, Ekinrin-Adde in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) stated:
“The matter was reported to the Divisional Police Officer, A Division, as a case of culpable homicide. Upon receiving the complaint, police officers visited the scene and commenced investigations.”
He added that the Commissioner of Police, CP Miller Dantawaye, has directed the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet investigation.
“Efforts are ongoing to apprehend the suspect, who is currently at large. He will be brought to justice,” the police spokesman assured.
