The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects, including a former employee of the deceased, over the murder of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Mrs. Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this on Thursday while briefing journalists at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Ojajuni said the arrests followed intensive intelligence gathering, technical tracking and forensic investigations carried out by detectives assigned to the case.
According to him, police received a report at the Owode-Egba Police Station at about 4 p.m. on June 21 regarding suspicious circumstances surrounding Oyesiku’s residence.
“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,” the commissioner said.
He explained that officers who responded to the scene discovered the lifeless body of Adetayo inside the security post, while Oyesiku was found dead 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,” Ojajuni stated.
The police chief said the missing vehicle was recovered the following day through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations.
He disclosed that investigators made significant progress after recovering a handwritten note allegedly left behind at the scene.
“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 said.
Ojajuni said further intelligence gathering led to the arrest of the principal suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.
Subsequent operations led to the arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.
“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,” the commissioner said.
Ojajuni disclosed that the principal suspect allegedly confessed during interrogation and implicated the two other suspects.
“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,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the suspect told investigators that he planned the attack over grievances dating back to the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.
“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson’,” Ojajuni added.
Police said the suspects allegedly carried out the attack on June 20 by first overpowering Adetayo and using him to gain access to 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 commissioner said.
Ojajuni further revealed that detectives recovered several exhibits believed to be connected to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen.
“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 stated.
The commissioner stressed that investigations remain ongoing despite the arrests and recovery of evidence.
“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 said.
Ojajuni assured residents that the Command would pursue the case to its conclusion and ensure that all those found culpable are brought before the law.
