The body of a photojournalist, Ayobami Aiyepeku, who was allegedly murdered by an officer of the Nigeria Correctional Service, has been recovered by police in Kogi State.
Spokesman of the Kogi State Police Command, William Aya, confirmed the grim discovery to journalists on Tuesday.
Aya said the decomposing corpse was found in a bush at Zone 8, near the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) office in Lokoja on Sunday, following complaints by residents of foul odour in the area.
The Police spokesperson stated that the body had been deposited at the Kogi State Specialist Hospital, adding that the Command had launched a “discreet investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
“We are committed to uncovering the full details of what transpired,” Aya said, appealing to the public, the victim’s family, and professional colleagues to assist with credible information that could aid the investigation.
The late Aiyepeku was reportedly killed last Tuesday night by one Oluwapelumi Adebayo, an officer with the Nigeria Correctional Service, inside an office near the Kogi Government House.
According to police accounts, Adebayo allegedly placed Aiyepeku’s corpse in a deep freezer before disposing of it in the bush where it was later found.
Reacting to the murder, the Kogi State Government pledged to ensure that justice is served in the incident.
Governor Usman Ododo, in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, expressed deep sadness over the incident.
“The Governor has directed all security agencies to carry out a thorough investigation to unravel the events that led to this gruesome murder,” the statement read.
Fanwo further assured that the government “will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice” and stressed that “those responsible for this heinous act will not go unpunished.”
The commissioner also revealed that investigations were ongoing into not only the murder, but also the mysterious death of the alleged prime suspect, Adebayo.
Meanwhile, the grieving family of the late photojournalist made a heartfelt appeal to authorities for justice.
Speaking to reporters, Timothy Aiyepeku, the deceased’s elder brother, and his uncle, Ibikunle Jide, called on the police and the Kogi State Government to uncover the truth and hold all culprits accountable.
“We are shattered,” said Timothy. “We plead with the government and police to do all they can to ensure Ayobami’s killers are brought to justice. We need answers,” they pleaded.
The Police Command urged anyone with information that could assist in the ongoing investigation to come forward.
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