After days of intense search and unanswered questions, the decomposing body of 26-year-old photojournalist, Ayo Aiyepeku who was murdered has been found on the outskirts of Lokoja, Kogi State.
His body was found on Sunday evening in the bushy area around the Crusher axis of Lokoja, the state capital.
ebirareporters.com gathered that residents who perceived a foul odour, alerted the Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu who mobilized security officials to the scene.
Recall that Ayo, an indigene of Ekinrin Adde in Ijumu Local Government Area of the State, was allegedly lured and killed by a correctional service officer, Adebayo Pelumi.
The suspect reportedly fled the scene with the victim’s body, prompting a police manhunt to locate both him and Ayo’s remains.
The case took a dramatic turn when the body of the prime suspect was later found in a hotel in Lokoja, with preliminary investigations suggesting suicide.
A bottle containing a poisonous substance and a handwritten note were allegedly found at the scene.
Security operatives are handling the recovery of the corpse, which has already been deposited at the Specialist Hospital in Lokoja, as investigations continue.
The Kogi Government has vowed to get justice for the slain photojournalist, Ayo Aiyepeku, as Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo directed security agencies to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances sorrounding the murder.
This is contained in a statement issued by the Kogi Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo in Lokoja.
“Justice may not bring the dead back to life, but it will console the family of the deceased that their son did not die in vain.
“The safety and security of our people remain a top priority of our administration.
“The government will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of justice, ensuring that the perpetrators of this heinous act do not go unpunished.
“The investigation into the mysterious circumstances surrounding the murder and the subsequent death of the prime suspect is ongoing,” the government said.
He urged the general public to remain security-conscious and support ongoing investigations by volunteering credible information to law enforcement agencies.
