The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three men in connection with the brutal killing of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, following what investigators described as a painstaking intelligence-driven operation.
The breakthrough was announced on Thursday by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, during a press conference at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
According to the police chief, detectives deployed intelligence gathering, forensic examination, and technical tracking tools to identify and apprehend those allegedly responsible for the double murder.
Oyesiku and Adetayo were discovered dead at the broadcaster’s residence in the Owode-Egba area on June 21. Her Lexus RX 330 SUV was also missing from the property, prompting suspicions that robbery may have been linked to the killings.
Ojajuni disclosed that police were alerted to the incident after a distress report was lodged at the Owode-Egba Police Station at about 4 p.m. on the day the bodies were found.
“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.
Responding officers who arrived at the scene reportedly found Adetayo dead inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was discovered in the living room of the main house.
“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 commissioner said investigators quickly launched efforts to trace the stolen vehicle, leading to its recovery the following day through intelligence-led operations.
A major breakthrough in the investigation came from a handwritten note allegedly left behind by the attackers.
“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.
Following the leads generated from the investigation, police arrested the alleged mastermind, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was reportedly working as a labourer.
Further operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.
Ojajuni said all three suspects are believed to have participated in the criminal plot.
“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.”
Investigators were told that Philip allegedly targeted the deceased over unresolved grievances from the period he worked as a security guard at her residence.
“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,” Ojajuni added.
Police further revealed that the attack was allegedly carried out on June 20, beginning with the overpowering of the security guard before access was gained into 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.
Searches conducted after the arrests led to the recovery of several items believed to be connected to the crime.
“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.
While significant progress has been made, the commissioner stressed that investigations remain active and that all suspects are entitled to fair legal treatment.
“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.
Ojajuni reassured residents that the command would pursue the case to its conclusion and ensure that everyone linked to the killings is brought to justice.
(Ripples)
