The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects, including a former security guard, over the murder of a former Ogun State Television 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.
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that 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.
Ojajuni said that a report was received at Owode-Egba Police Station at about 4 pm on June 21 concerning suspicious circumstances at Oyesiku’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 explained that 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.
“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 boss stated that the missing vehicle was recovered on June 22 through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations.
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.
“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 stated.
According to him, 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.
The police commissioner added that 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.
He said, “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.
“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.”
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 said 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.
“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,” the CP said.
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.
“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,” he said.
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.
“Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime,” he added.
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.
