The Governor of Kogi State, Ahmed Usman Ododo has reaffirmed his commitment to securing justice for the murdered photojournalist, Ayo Aiyepeku, promising that those behind the killing will not escape punishment.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, on Saturday in Lokoja.
Governor Ododo, according to the statement, has directed security agencies to intensify investigations into the gruesome murder to uncover the truth and bring perpetrators to book.
“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 statement read.
Fanwo added that the safety and security of Kogi residents remain the top priority of the present administration.
The government assured the public that no effort would be spared in ensuring justice is served, noting that the inquiry into the killing and the subsequent death of the prime suspect is still underway.
“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 statement added.
The commissioner called on the public to remain vigilant and assist security operatives by providing credible information that could aid the ongoing investigation.
“The safety and security of our people remain paramount, and we urge everyone to remain security-conscious and support law enforcement agencies with useful information,” Fanwo stated.
Earlier, news had made rounds that a man accused of killing the photojournalist, Aiyepeku, was found dead in a hotel room on Thursday afternoon.
The suspect, identified as Ayo Pelumi, was believed to have murdered his friend, Ayobami Aiyepeku, on Tuesday night around 8:30 pm.
Pelumi allegedly hit the victim on the head with an iron object, leaving him unconscious. He then went on to cut up the body, placed the remains in his Hilux van, and drove away to an unknown location.
Hours later, he returned to the scene, where security personnel and residents had already gathered after receiving a distress call.
As he tried to flee again, the security team shot at his vehicle’s tyres, but he managed to escape.
According to Daily Trust, Police tracked him down to a hotel lodge on Thursday around 2:00 pm.
His body was discovered inside the room along with a bottle of Coca-Cola and a container of suspected poison.
A hotel worker revealed that Pelumi checked in on Wednesday afternoon but was found dead by 1:00 pm the next day.
Police were then alerted by the hotel management and confirmed his identity as the murder suspect.
