The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a former Ogun State Television, OGTV, broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead at the retired broadcaster’s residence in Owode-Egba, Ogun State, on June 21.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, announced the arrests on Thursday while addressing journalists at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Ojajuni said the suspects were uncovered through intelligence-driven operations, technical tracking and forensic investigations carried out after the double murder.
According to him, officers attached to the Owode-Egba Police Station received a report at about 4 p.m. on June 21 over suspicious developments at the deceased’s residence.
“Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention,” Ojajuni said.
He said detectives who arrived at the scene found Adetayo dead inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was discovered in the living room of the main building.
“The crime scene was scientifically processed. Preliminary investigation further revealed that a Lexus RX 330 vehicle belonging to the deceased was missing from the compound, raising suspicion of robbery and murder,” he added.
The police commissioner said the stolen vehicle was traced and recovered on June 22 through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at the Onikolobo area of Ogun State.
He said although the ignition key had been removed and the registration number plates detached from the vehicle, detectives later recovered the vehicle’s registration plate concealed under one of the seats.
According to him, the discovery enabled investigators to positively identify and confirm the vehicle as belonging to Oyesiku.
Ojajuni also disclosed that investigators recovered a handwritten note at the crime scene, which later became a major lead in the investigation.
“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime,” he said.
The CP said further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the prime suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he worked as a labourer.
He said follow-up operations by detectives led to the arrest of two other suspects, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.
“Further follow-up operations by detectives of the command led to the successful arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho, thereby bringing into custody all identified suspects directly linked to the criminal conspiracy,” Ojajuni said.
The commissioner said Philip made a confessional statement admitting his involvement in the killing of Oyesiku.
He said the suspect also told investigators that he recruited Ayoola and Obafunsho to participate in the crime.
“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to participate in the crime,” the CP said.
Ojajuni said Philip told investigators that he planned the attack because of grievances he had from the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.
“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to teach her a lesson,” Ojajuni added.
According to the police, the suspects carried out the attack on June 20 by first overpowering Adetayo and using him to gain access to the residence.
“According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, and used him to gain access to the residence. Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard.
“After committing the crime, the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle, which was later recovered through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at the Onikolobo area of Ogun State,” he said.
The police commissioner also said detectives recovered several items believed to be linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen.
“Following the suspects’ confessional statements, detectives conducted further searches at locations linked to them. During the operation, a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other relevant exhibits connected to the investigation were recovered,” Ojajuni said.
He added that despite the confessional statements and evidence already obtained, detectives were still expanding the investigation to consolidate all available materials and ensure diligent prosecution.
“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law.
“Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime,” he said.
Ojajuni assured residents that the command would pursue justice for the victims and ensure that everyone connected to the killings is brought before the law.
The post “He Recruited Two Others” — Ogun Police Arrest Three Over Killing Of Ex-OGTV Broadcaster, Security Guard appeared first on TheNigeriaLawyer.
