By Esther Ososanya
Police in Kogi State say the man accused of murdering photojournalist Ayo Ayobami Aiyepeku has died by suicide just hours after authorities launched a manhunt for him.
Officers identified the suspect, Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, in a hotel room in Lokoja on Thursday morning. He had reportedly checked in the night before.
Kogi police spokesperson, SP William Ovye-Aya, confirmed the discovery. “The hotel management contacted us early Thursday about a corpse in one of their rooms. We responded immediately and found Pelumi—who had been declared wanted,” he said.
At the scene, police found a bottle of Sniper insecticide and a suicide note beside the bed. Officials moved the body to the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.
How the Journalist Was Killed
Aiyepeku was killed Tuesday night in an office close to the Government House/GRA area in Lokoja. Pelumi, a former associate, became the prime suspect within hours.
During a search on Wednesday, police recovered a Hilux van allegedly used in the crime. They also found a deep freezer inside the vehicle, which has now been taken into custody.
Despite these developments, the journalist’s body remains missing.
“We are doing everything possible to find the remains,” Ovye-Aya assured. He added that CP Miller Dantawaye has transferred the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department for deeper investigation.
Family Demands Justice
The victim’s father, Chief James Aiyepeku, described his son as “gentle, diligent, and without any known conflict”. “He was assassinated in cold blood. We want justice. We want his body returned,” he pleaded.
Ayobami’s elder brother, Timothy Aiyepeku, also expressed frustration. “As I speak, we still haven’t found Ayobami’s body. He was kind and hard-working. The authorities must act fast,” he said.
READ ALSO: Nigeria Police Serving As Tool For Oppression —Iguma
Their uncle, Dr Ibikunle Jide, thanked police for their swift action but urged them not to relent. “We also thank the media. It’s important the public stays informed until justice is done and the body is recovered,” he said.
Police have promised a thorough investigation and called on the public to assist.
“We ask anyone with information to come forward. No detail is too small,” Ovye-Aya said.
As the family mourns and the public watches closely, the case continues to raise tough questions. How did a promising journalist end up murdered? Why did the prime suspect take his own life? And most urgently, where is Ayo Aiyepeku’s body?
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
