The police in Kogi State have confirmed the discovery of photojournalist Ayobami Aiyepeku’s body. He had been missing for days and was believed to have been murdered by his neighbour, Oluwapelumi Adebayo.

According to the state police spokesperson, SP Williams Aya, the body was found on the evening of Sunday, July 27, in a bush near the WAEC office in the Crusher Zone 8 area of Lokoja. The body was already decomposing.

The police said the body has been moved to the Kogi State Specialist Hospital. A full investigation is now ongoing to find out exactly what happened.

Reports suggest that Ayobami may have been killed on the night of July 22 in an office near the Government House and GRA area of Lokoja.

The police have called on the public, as well as the journalist’s family and colleagues, to share any useful information that could help with the investigation.

Ayobami’s elder brother, Timothy Aiyepeku, has urged both the Kogi State and Federal Governments to make sure justice is served. He also appreciated the efforts of the police and the media for keeping the issue in the public eye.

Residents living nearby said they started noticing a bad smell from the bush, which led to the discovery of the body.

The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, visited the area with security officers and confirmed that the body found was indeed Ayobami’s.

It was earlier reported that Ayobami might have been killed by his neighbour, Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, who worked with the Nigerian Correctional Services.

Pelumi allegedly tricked Ayobami into coming to his poultry farm, where he reportedly hit him on the head with a metal object and then dismembered the body.

Shockingly, on Thursday, July 24, Pelumi himself was found dead in a hotel room at Abidan 115 Hotel in Lokoja. People believe he may have taken his own life.

To help with the investigation, the Kogi State Government has ordered that the hotel be sealed so that all evidence can be protected.