The prime suspect in the brutal murder of a photo journalist in Lokoja, Kogi State, has reportedly taken his own life, authorities confirmed on Thursday.
Adebayo Pelumi, who was wanted in connection with the killing of Ayo Aiyepekun, a photo journalist with Inside Story media platform, was found dead in a hotel room in Lokoja just two days after the alleged murder.
According to hotel staff, Pelumi checked into the establishment on Wednesday afternoon. His body was discovered around 1 p.m. on Thursday by a hotel steward who had gone to clean the room after checkout time had passed.
A staff member of the hotel, speaking on condition of anonymity, told BenriNews: "He looked very calm when he arrived, nothing unusual. We had no idea he was a fugitive."
Details of the Original Crime
Pelumi had been the subject of an intensive police manhunt following the gruesome killing of Aiyepekun on Tuesday, July 22. The victim's family had earlier appealed to the Kogi State Government and the Nigeria Police Force to ensure justice was served.
An eyewitness who works with Inside Story recounted the horrific incident, which reportedly occurred around 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday.
"We were editing videos and photos in the office when Adebayo called Ayo to assist him at his poultry farm. The farm is within the same compound where they both live," the eyewitness explained.
"Ayo stepped out to meet him, but what we didn't know was that Adebayo had planned an attack. The moment Ayo got to him, he hit him repeatedly with an iron."
The witness further described seeing Pelumi lift Aiyepekun's lifeless body into a deep freezer before attempting to move it into a Hilux van. "That was when I knew something was terribly wrong and started shouting for help," the witness added.
Police Investigation Continues
Upon being notified of the discovery at the hotel, management alerted police, who arrived at the scene and confirmed Pelumi was indeed the prime suspect in Aiyepekun's murder. Authorities subsequently transported the body to the mortuary at the Federal Teaching Hospital, Lokoja.
As of press time, the police have yet to make a formal comment on the alleged suicide or provide details about any note or evidence found at the scene that might shed light on Pelumi's motives for either crime.
The case has sent shockwaves through the journalism community in Kogi State, raising concerns about the safety of media practitioners in the region.
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