From Lokoja, the Kogi State capital, North Central Nigeria, comes a report that, a Photo-Journalist with Inside Story, an online media outlet, Ayo Aiyepekun has been allegedly murdered by his neighbour.
The incident reportedly happened on Tuesday evening.
The report says, the suspected assailant, who resides in the same compound as the Inside Story office, lured Aiyepekun out of the office under the guise of needing assistance at his poultry facility located within the premises.
An eyewitness, also a staff member of Inside Story, said he was in the office with the victim when the suspect called Aiyepekun outside.
“It was around 7:30 p.m. He stepped out, and moments later, I heard some movement. Then I saw the suspect dragging Ayo’s body towards a deep freezer,” he recounted.
The witness said the suspect attempted to hide the body in the freezer before transferring it into a Hilux van. Alarmed by the scene, the witness contacted others who quickly mobilized local vigilantes. However, by the time help arrived, the suspect had already fled with the body.
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A search of the compound revealed blood traces inside the freezer and around the poultry area. Later, while the vigilantes were still investigating, the suspect returned in his van but took off upon spotting the gathering. During the ensuing chase, his vehicle crashed, and he reportedly escaped on foot.
Blood was also discovered inside the van, further deepening suspicions of possible ritual motives. As of now, Aiyepekun’s body remains missing.
The case was reported to the Kogi State Police Headquarters on Wednesday.
According to residents, the suspect is employed at a correctional facility and had recently separated from his wife due to allegations of domestic abuse.
Confirming the incident, the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, SP William Aya, stated that the report reached the police after some delay.
He confirmed that the Divisional Police Officer has been instructed to transfer the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) for a full investigation.
As of the time of reporting, no arrests have been made.
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