The Kogi State Police Command has confirmed that Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, the suspected killer of photo-journalist Ayo Aiyepeku, has allegedly committed suicide in a hotel room in Lokoja. The police discovered Pelumi's corpse on Thursday morning, July 24, 2025, after receiving a tip-off from the hotel management.
Circumstances Surrounding the Suicide
According to the police, Pelumi's body was found with a suicide note and a bottle of Sniper insecticide beside his bed. The suspect had been on the run after allegedly murdering Aiyepeku on Tuesday night in an office near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja. Pelumi's vehicle, a Hilux van, was recovered with a deep freezer containing unknown contents ¹.
Investigation and Recovery Efforts
The police are still searching for Aiyepeku's body, with efforts ongoing to locate and recover the remains. The Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, has ordered the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation ².
Reaction from the Family
Aiyepeku's family has made a passionate appeal to the police authorities and the Kogi government for justice. His father, Chief James Aiyepeku, described his son as gentle and hardworking, with no known quarrels at work, and called for punishment for the perpetrators. The family also expressed gratitude to the media for widely covering the incident and bringing it to public attention ³.
Autopsy and Next Steps
Pelumi's body has been deposited at the Federal University Teaching Hospital, Lokoja, for autopsy to determine the actual cause of death. The police spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, has appealed to the public to provide credible information to aid the investigation ¹.
