Lokoja, Nigeria – July 28, 2025
The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the recovery of the body of missing photojournalist Ayobami Aiyepeku, marking a grim development in a case that has sparked national outrage. The remains were discovered on Sunday evening in a bush near the WAEC office at the Crusher Zone 8 area of Lokoja.
Police have linked the killing to Aiyepeku’s neighbor and colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, an officer of the Nigerian Correctional Services, who was later found dead in what authorities suspect to be a suicide.
Timeline of the Crime
According to SP Williams Aya, the state police spokesperson, the murder occurred on the night of Tuesday, July 22, near the Government House/GRA axis of Lokoja. Adebayo allegedly fled after the killing but was discovered dead on Thursday inside Abidan 115 Hotel, where investigators believe he took his own life. Lokoja Local Government Chairman Abdullahi Adamu has ordered the immediate closure of the hotel while paying condolences to the Aiyepeku family.
The breakthrough came when residents reported a foul odor from the bush, prompting a search that led to the discovery. The body has been deposited at Kogi State Specialist Hospital, Lokoja, as police launch a discreet investigation into the circumstances surrounding the murder.
Family’s Call for Justice
Speaking after the discovery, Aiyepeku’s elder brother, Timothy Aiyepeku, praised the police efforts and media coverage but urged authorities to pursue justice relentlessly.
“Now that the body has been found, we once again appeal to the authorities to uncover the mystery behind the killing,” he said, reflecting the family’s grief and demand for closure.
Government and Media Response
Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo has directed security agencies to carry out a thorough probe, emphasizing the gravity of the case given Aiyepeku’s reputation as a respected photojournalist with Inside Story. His work had been pivotal in documenting critical events across the region.
The murder has reignited debate over journalist safety in Nigeria, ranked 112 out of 180 in the 2024 Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index. While rumors of ritual motives spread online, police and local authorities have found no evidence linking the killing to ritual practices, countering unverified social media claims.
A Nation Mourns
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through the media community, highlighting both the risks faced by journalists and the urgent need for stronger security protections. The International Federation of Journalists notes that only 6% of journalist killings worldwide involve colleagues, making this case an alarming anomaly.
As Kogi State launches its investigation, public pressure continues to mount for a transparent and swift resolution that honors Aiyepeku’s legacy and restores confidence in the justice system.
