The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the killing of former Ogun State Television broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
The suspects include a former security guard who allegedly worked for the late broadcaster.
Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
According to him, the arrests followed intelligence gathering, technical tracking and forensic analysis carried out by detectives after the double murder.
Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead at the retired broadcaster’s residence in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State on June 21.
Her Lexus RX 330 was also reported missing from the premises.
Police discover bodies in residence
Ojajuni said a report was received at Owode-Egba Police Station at about 4 p.m. on June 21 over suspicious activities at Oyesiku’s residence.
He said preliminary findings showed that the front door of the house had been partly damaged, while the security house in the compound was locked.
Detectives who arrived at the scene later discovered Adetayo’s body inside the security house.
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,” the police commissioner said.
Handwritten note helps crack case
The police said the missing Lexus RX 330 was recovered on June 22 through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations.
Ojajuni disclosed that although the ignition key had been removed and the number plates detached, detectives found the vehicle’s registration plate hidden under one of the seats.
He said this helped investigators confirm that the vehicle belonged to Oyesiku.
The police commissioner added that a handwritten note recovered from the crime scene 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,” Ojajuni said.
“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.”
Ex-guard arrested at construction site
Ojajuni said further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, on June 24.
Philip was arrested at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.
The police said subsequent operations led to the arrest of two other suspects, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.
Ojajuni said Philip allegedly confessed to the crime and admitted recruiting the other two suspects.
“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku,” the police commissioner said.
“He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to participate in the crime.”
Police reveal alleged motive
According to Ojajuni, Philip told investigators that he planned the attack because of grievances from the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.
The commissioner said the suspect allegedly claimed the murder was intended to “teach her a lesson.”
“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,’” Ojajuni said.
He added that the suspects allegedly carried out the attack on June 20.
Police said they first overpowered Adetayo and used him to gain access into the main residence.
“According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, and used him to gain access to the residence,” Ojajuni said.
“Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard.”
Vehicle, weapons recovered
The commissioner said the suspects fled the scene with Oyesiku’s Lexus RX 330 after the killings.
The vehicle was later recovered at Onikolobo area of Ogun State through intelligence-led tracking.
Ojajuni also disclosed that detectives recovered several exhibits linked to the crime after searches were conducted at locations connected to the suspects.
The items recovered included a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other exhibits.
“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.
Suspects still entitled to due process
The police commissioner said investigation was still ongoing to strengthen the case against the suspects.
He stressed that although the suspects had made useful statements and evidence had been recovered, they remained entitled to due process under the law.
“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,” Ojajuni said.
“Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime.”
He assured residents that the command would ensure justice for Oyesiku and Adetayo.
Ojajuni added that all persons connected with the killings would be brought to book.
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