The family of Ayobami Aiyepeku, a photojournalist brutally murdered on July 22, 2025, in Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, has suffered another painful loss: the father of the deceased, Chief James Aiyepeku, is dead.
He passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after a stroke, reportedly triggered by the shock of his son’s gruesome murder by a friend, who later reportedly died by suicide.
Speaking with LEADERSHIP Friday at the family’s residence in Lokoja, Mr. Timothy Aiyepeku, an elder brother of the late photojournalist, said their father was traumatised by the killing of his son.
He said, “On Wednesday, August 6, after rushing out to complete the necessary arrangements for the release of Ayobami’s corpse for burial, I returned home to the news that my father had fallen and was hospitalised.
“Despite initial signs of recovery, my father’s condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to the illness on Tuesday, August 12,” he said.
The family is now reeling under the tragic loss of two beloved members within a month.
Timothy said the family suspects a conspiracy in Ayobami’s death, citing the absence of his phone and that of the suspected killer, who allegedly took his own life in a hotel room.
He said, “The family is urging the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation, trusting that justice will be served. We believe that the police can do the job; they should just put in the needed resources to see that justice is achieved for my brother.”
Despite the twin incidents, the Aiyepeku family is holding on to their faith, believing that God will ultimately bring justice and vengeance for Ayobami’s murder.
As they navigate this difficult period, the family is finding solace in their spiritual beliefs and the support of loved ones.
The family remains hopeful that the authorities will uncover the truth behind Ayobami’s murder.
While the police investigation is ongoing, the family awaits updates on the incident.
“Till now, the police have not communicated with us on their investigation regarding the circumstances behind my brother’s death.
“We believe that they are a law enforcement agency and they are doing what is required of them to ensure justice for my late brother,” Timothy added.
The Kogi State Police Command’s spokesperson, Williams Ovye-Aya, had said Ayobami Aiyepeku was allegedly murdered by his friend, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, on July 22, in an office near the Government House, Government Reserved Area (GRA), Lokoja.
According to Ovye-Aya, Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, the suspected killer of Ayobami, allegedly took his life.
Ovye-Aya said Pelumi’s corpse was found in a hotel room in Lokoja, hours after police launched a manhunt for him.
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