Police nab three over murder of ex-OGTV broadcaster and guard

The Ogun State Police have arrested three suspects, including a former security guard, in the murder of Olakitan Oyesiku, a former broadcaster with Ogun State Television, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, announced this at a press briefing on Thursday at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

Ojajuni explained that the arrests came after thorough intelligence gathering, technical tracking, and forensic analysis by detectives looking into the double murder.

PUNCH Online reported earlier that Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead at Oyesiku's home in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State on June 21. Her Lexus RX 330 car was missing from the house.

Ojajuni said the Owode-Egba Police Station received a report at around 4 pm on June 21 about unusual happenings at Oyesiku’s home.

“Initial information showed that the front door was partially damaged while the security house was locked. This led to immediate police action,” Ojajuni said.

Detectives who arrived at the scene found Adetayo's body in the security house. Oyesiku was discovered lying in a pool of blood in her living room.

“The crime scene was examined scientifically. Initial investigations revealed that Oyesiku's Lexus RX 330 was missing, indicating robbery and murder,” he added.

The police chief said the missing car was found on June 22 through intelligence-led tracking operations.

Ojajuni mentioned that a handwritten note found at the crime scene was key to the investigation.

“Even though the ignition key was removed and the number plates taken off, detectives found the vehicle's registration plate hidden under a seat. This helped confirm that the car belonged to Madam Olakitan Oyesiku.

“One important piece of evidence was a handwritten note left behind by the criminals. Forensic analysis of the note provided valuable leads that helped the detectives trace those responsible for the crime,” he stated.

He added that further intelligence led to the arrest of the main suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working.

The police chief also said that further operations led to the arrest of 27-year-old Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, a security guard, and 36-year-old Sobu Obafunsho, a bricklayer.

Ojajuni revealed that Philip confessed to the crime and admitted to hiring the other two suspects.

“Following up on the leads, detectives arrested Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho, bringing all identified suspects linked to the conspiracy into custody.

“During questioning, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip confessed his role in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku. He said he recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to help him commit the crime,” he said.

According to the commissioner, the suspect explained that he planned the attack due to issues from his time working as a security guard for Oyesiku.

“The suspect said he wanted to ‘teach her a lesson,’” Ojajuni added.

He noted that the attack happened on June 20. They first overpowered Adetayo to gain access to the house.

“According to his statement, they overpowered Pelumi Adetayo and used him to enter the residence. Once inside, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and killed the security guard,” he said.

“After the attack, the suspects took off with the Lexus RX 330, which was later found in the Onikolobo area of Ogun State,” the CP said.

The commissioner added that detectives found several items linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, and a black pen.

“After the suspects confessed, detectives searched places connected to them. They found a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen, and other evidence related to the investigation,” he said.

Ojajuni emphasized that even though the suspects provided useful statements and evidence was recovered, the investigation is still ongoing.

“The Ogun State Police Command wants to stress that while the suspects have given important information and substantial evidence has been gathered, they are entitled to due process under the law.

“The investigation continues to gather all evidence to ensure a thorough prosecution of all suspects involved in the crime,” he added.

The police commissioner assured the public that the command is committed to achieving justice for the victims and holding everyone involved in the killings accountable.