Murder of Lokoja Photojournalist and Suspect’s Apparent Suicide Shake Nigeria’s Media Community

July 25, 2025 – Nigeria – 

Ayo Aiyepekun, a photojournalist working for Inside Story in Lokoja, Kogi State, was brutally murdered by a close friend and colleague, Adebayo Pelumi, who also lives in the same compound. The Kogi State Police confirmed the killing on July 23, describing the attack as “sad and unfortunate”.

Witnesses report that Pelumi lured Aiyepekun to his in-compound poultry farm under the guise of needing help and then struck him multiple times with an iron rod, instantly rendering him unconscious. The suspect allegedly dismembered Aiyepekun’s body, placed the remains into a deep freezer, loaded them into his Hilux van, and fled the scene. A colleague inside the office raised the alarm, prompting local vigilantes and residents to respond, though Pelumi managed to escape despite shots being fired at his vehicle’s tyres.

A nationwide manhunt ensued for Pelumi, who is employed with the Nigeria Correctional Service. Authorities called on the public for assistance in locating him.

In a dramatic turn, on Thursday, July 24, hotel staff discovered Pelumi’s body in a Lokoja lodge. He had checked in under a false name the previous afternoon. Nearby, a bottle of Coca‑Cola and a container of Sniper insecticide were found, leading investigators to conclude he may have taken his own life. The police later confirmed identification and transported his remains to the Federal Teaching Hospital’s mortuary in Lokoja.

The suspect’s death has notably complicated efforts to recover Aiyepekun’s body or gather full details of the motive and context. Family members, media peers, and civil society groups are demanding a deeper investigation into both deaths, accountability from correctional service authorities, and better protections for journalists across Nigeria.

The tragic sequence of events has sparked national outrage and grief within Nigeria’s journalism community. Aiyepekun is remembered for his professionalism and quiet diligence. His killing underscores profound safety gaps for media practitioners. While Pelumi’s apparent suicide ended the immediate manhunt, investigators continue to piece together the circumstances of the murder and explore whether ritualistic motives played a role in the gruesome crime.

Reference – 

https://punchng.com/suspected-killer-of-kogi-photojournalist-found-dead-in-hotel/?amp

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