The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three individuals, including a former security guard, in connection with the killing of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
The Commissioner of Police in Ogun State, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this during a press briefing held on Thursday at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
According to Ojajuni, the arrests were made following extensive intelligence gathering, technical tracking, and forensic investigations carried out by detectives handling the double homicide case.
DIP CONNECTS reports that Oyesiku and Adetayo were discovered 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 missing from the premises.
The police commissioner explained that a distress report was received at the Owode-Egba Police Station around 4:00 p.m. on June 21 regarding suspicious activities at the residence.
“Initial findings revealed that the front door of the house had been partially damaged, while the security post within the compound was locked, prompting immediate police action,” Ojajuni said.
Investigators who arrived at the scene found Adetayo’s body inside the security house, while Oyesiku was discovered in the living room of the main building in a pool of blood.
“The crime scene was professionally examined, and preliminary investigations indicated that the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle had been taken away, raising suspicion of robbery and murder,” he added.
Ojajuni stated that the stolen vehicle was recovered the following day through intelligence-led operations and technical tracking.
A handwritten note recovered from the crime scene proved crucial to the investigation.
“Although the vehicle’s ignition key had been removed and the registration plates detached, detectives found one of the plates hidden beneath a seat, which enabled us to confirm ownership of the vehicle.
“One significant piece of evidence was a handwritten note believed to have been left by the perpetrators. Forensic analysis of the note generated vital leads that helped investigators identify and trace those involved,” he said.
Further intelligence efforts led to the arrest of the principal suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was employed as a labourer.
Subsequent operations resulted in the arrest of two additional suspects: 27-year-old Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, a security guard, and 36-year-old Sobu Obafunsho, a bricklayer.
Ojajuni revealed that Philip confessed to participating in the crime and admitted recruiting the other two suspects.
“Further follow-up investigations led to the successful arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho, bringing all identified members of the criminal conspiracy into custody.
“During interrogation, Philip confessed to his role in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and disclosed that he enlisted the assistance of the two other suspects,” the commissioner stated.
According to the police, Philip told investigators that he orchestrated the attack because of grievances he harboured from the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.
“The suspect claimed the attack was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,’” Ojajuni disclosed.
The commissioner explained that the suspects carried out the operation on June 20 by first overpowering Adetayo and using him to gain entry into the residence.
“After subduing the security guard, they forced their way into the house, attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku, and later killed the security guard.
“Following the attack, they escaped with the victim’s Lexus RX 330, which was later recovered through intelligence-driven operations in the Onikolobo area of Ogun State,” he said.
Police investigations also led to the recovery of several items believed to be connected to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a wooden plank, a black pen, and other exhibits.
“Based on the suspects’ confessions, detectives carried out additional searches at locations linked to them and recovered a broken hammer, cutlass, plank, black pen, and other relevant items connected to the investigation,” Ojajuni added.
He stressed that although the suspects had made useful statements and substantial evidence had been gathered, investigations were still ongoing.
“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to make it clear that despite the confessional statements and evidence recovered, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law.
“Investigations are continuing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of everyone connected to the crime,” he said.
The police commissioner assured residents that the command remains committed to securing justice for the victims and ensuring that all those involved in the killings are brought to book.
ADEOLA KUNLE
No comments:
Post a Comment