Abeokuta, Ogun State – The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the brutal murder of a former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo .
The state Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Thursday . Ojajuni said the arrests followed intensive intelligence gathering, technical tracking operations and forensic analysis conducted by detectives investigating the double murder .
How the Crime Unfolded
Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead at the retired broadcaster's residence in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State on June 21, while her Lexus RX 330 vehicle was reported missing from the premises .
According to the police commissioner, officers received a distress report at about 4 p.m. on June 21 regarding suspicious circumstances at the 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 .
Detectives who responded to the scene discovered Adetayo's lifeless body inside the security house, while Oyesiku was found lying in a pool of blood in the living room of the main building .
Key Evidence Leads to Suspects
The police boss stated that the missing vehicle was recovered on June 22 through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at the Onikolobo area of Ogun State .
Ojajuni revealed that a handwritten note recovered from the crime scene played a crucial role in the investigation .
"Although the ignition key had been removed and the registration number plates detached from the vehicle, detectives recovered the vehicle's registration plate concealed underneath one of the seats, which enabled investigators to positively identify and confirm the vehicle as the property of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku," he stated .
"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 added .
Three Suspects in Custody
Further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer .
Subsequent operations led to the arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer .
Ojajuni disclosed that Philip confessed to the crime and admitted recruiting the two other suspects .
"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," Ojajuni said .
Motive: A 'Lesson' for the Broadcaster
According to the commissioner, the suspect told investigators that he planned the attack over grievances stemming 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 .
He explained that the suspects carried out the attack on June 20, 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," the CP said .
Exhibits Recovered
The commissioner further disclosed that detectives recovered several exhibits linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen .
Ojajuni stressed that although the suspects had made useful statements and substantial evidence had been recovered, investigations were still ongoing .
"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," he said .
The police commissioner assured residents that the command remained committed to ensuring justice for the victims and bringing all persons connected with the killings to book .
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