The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects, including a former security guard, in connection with the murder of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
The Commissioner of Police in the state, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed the development during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Thursday.
According to the commissioner, the arrests followed extensive intelligence gathering, technical tracking operations and forensic investigations carried out by detectives handling the double murder case.
Oyesiku and Adetayo were discovered dead at the retired broadcaster’s residence in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State on June 21, while her Lexus RX 330 vehicle was reported missing from the compound.
Ojajuni explained that a report was received at the Owode-Egba Police Station at about 4 p.m. on June 21 regarding suspicious circumstances surrounding the 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,” he said.
Responding detectives discovered the lifeless body of Adetayo inside the security house, while Oyesiku was found lying in a pool of blood in the living room of the main residence.
“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,” the commissioner added.
The police subsequently launched intelligence-driven operations that led to the recovery of the missing vehicle on June 22.
Ojajuni revealed that a handwritten note recovered from the scene became a crucial piece of evidence that helped investigators identify those allegedly responsible for the killings.
“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.
Further investigations led to the arrest of the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was reportedly working as a labourer.
Subsequent operations also resulted in the arrest of two other suspects identified as Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.
According to the police commissioner, Philip confessed to participating in the killings and admitted recruiting the other two suspects.
“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,” Ojajuni said.
The commissioner disclosed that the principal suspect allegedly told investigators he orchestrated the attack due to grievances he harboured from 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 investigations revealed that the suspects allegedly attacked Adetayo first before using him to gain access 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 stated.
The police also recovered several items believed to be connected to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a wooden 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 said.
Ojajuni stressed that despite the confessions and evidence obtained, investigations remain ongoing to ensure all aspects of the case are thoroughly examined.
“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.
The commissioner assured residents that the command remains committed to ensuring justice for the victims and bringing everyone linked to the killings to account.
