Double Tragedy in Lokoja: Photo Journalist Ayo Aiyepekun Murdered, Suspect Pelumi Found Dead in Apparent Suicide

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Lokoja, Kogi State — A wave of shock swept through the Lokoja community on Tuesday evening following the gruesome murder of Ayo Aiyepekun, a respected photojournalist affiliated with Inside Story. He was found dead at his residence under circumstances that have raised serious concerns.

Preliminary investigations by the police and eyewitness testimonies point to a neighbor, Oluwapelumi Adebayo Pelumi, as the primary suspect. Pelumi was a staff member at a nearby correctional facility.

Prime Suspect Found Dead in Suspected Suicide

Shortly after Aiyepekun’s death, reports emerged of Pelumi’s sudden demise in a hotel near Baptist Church on the outskirts of Lokoja. According to police accounts, he allegedly consumed a combination of a substance locally referred to as "sniper"—believed to be concentrated cocaine—and biscuits.

However, this narrative has been met with skepticism. Pelumi was discovered completely naked, a detail that has unsettled residents and prompted suspicions about the nature of his death. Images circulating online appear to show inconsistencies in his body posture and injuries, raising doubts about whether his death was truly self-inflicted.

Unanswered Questions Surrounding the Investigation

Human rights advocates, forensic analysts, and civil society groups are urging authorities to provide clarity on several key issues:

1. Condition of the Body

   • Why was Pelumi found unclothed? Was this the result of post-mortem procedures, or was he discovered in that state?

2. Toxicology and Medical Findings

   • Has toxicological analysis confirmed the ingestion of cocaine or other substances? Were there any signs of physical trauma, including bruises or defensive wounds?

3. Hotel Surveillance and Access Logs

   • Has CCTV footage been reviewed? Who registered the room, and were any guests recorded?

4. Digital Footprint

   • Has Pelumi’s mobile phone been recovered and analyzed? Have his communications and social media activity been examined for indications of coercion or distress?

5. Crime Scene Management

   • Was the integrity of the scene maintained? Were standard investigative protocols, such as proper handling of evidence and chain of custody procedures, strictly followed?

Calls for Transparency and Independent Oversight

Civil society organizations and concerned residents are calling for a thorough, transparent investigation. Their demands include:

• Hotel Cooperation: Full disclosure of guest logs, surveillance footage, and housekeeping records.
• Forensic Reporting: Comprehensive autopsy and toxicology results to determine the exact cause and time of death.
• Police Accountability: Clear updates on the status of the investigation and whether Pelumi’s death is being treated as suicide or potential foul play.
• Independent Monitoring: Oversight by neutral bodies to ensure the investigation remains credible and free from interference.

Community Reaction and Broader Concerns

The back-to-back deaths of Aiyepekun and Pelumi have left the Lokoja community deeply unsettled. Many residents and observers are questioning the official accounts and demanding answers. The circumstances surrounding both incidents have fueled speculation and concern over potential cover-ups or deeper criminal undertones.

Authorities are yet to provide a conclusive statement as investigations continue.

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