Suspected killer of photojournalist in Kogi found dead in hotel

Ayo Pelumi, the man suspected of murdering a Kogi-based photojournalist, has been found dead in what appears to be a case of suicide.

Pelumi was alleged to have killed his friend, Ayo Aiyepeku, around 8:30pm on Tuesday. He reportedly struck Aiyepeku on the head with a metal object, leaving him unconscious, before dismembering the body.

According to sources, the suspect placed the dismembered remains in his Hilux vehicle and left the scene, only to return later. By the time he came back, local security personnel and concerned individuals had already arrived following a distress call from one of the victim’s colleagues.

As Pelumi attempted to flee the area in his vehicle, security operatives fired at the tyres of the Hilux. Despite the effort to stop him, he managed to escape.

Authorities later received a tip-off that led them to a hotel lodge around 2:00pm on Thursday. Upon arrival, they discovered Pelumi’s lifeless body.

“A bottle of coca cola and a snipper was said to have also been seen in the hotel room where his lifeless’ body was discovered,” a source disclosed.

A hotel staff member, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said: “Pelumi lodged in their hotel on Wednesday afternoon but was found dead around 1pm, on Thursday.”

Hotel management immediately contacted the police, who identified the deceased as the prime suspect in Aiyepeku’s killing.

His body has since been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Lokoja.

(DAILY TRUST)