LOKOJA: Correctional Officer Flees After Killing, Dismembering Photojournalist Neighbour

 


A Kogi-based photojournalist, Aiyepeku Ayo, has been gruesomely murdered and dismembered by his neighbour, Adebayo Pelumi, a serving officer of the Nigerian Correctional Service, in what authorities describe as a shocking and premeditated attack.


The horrific incident occurred on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, inside a residential compound located in the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Lokoja, the Kogi State capital. Both the victim and the suspect were residents of the same compound.


Lured to His Death


According to investigative findings reported by True Crime Tony, the tragedy began when the suspect, Adebayo, approached Ayo at his office on the premises under the guise of needing assistance with a task at his poultry farm, which was reportedly situated within the compound.


“Adebayo told Ayo that he needed help with something at his poultry farm,” the report said.
“Ayo immediately got up to assist, unaware that another individual was still inside the office and witnessed everything that followed.”


Moments after stepping outside, Ayo was struck in the head with an iron rod. The attack was described as sudden and brutal. Sources say Adebayo had come fully prepared, delivering a swift and fatal blow that left the young journalist no time to react.


Gruesome Aftermath and Witness Account


In a deeply disturbing twist, Adebayo reportedly dismembered Ayo’s body after the murder and stored the body parts in a freezer, which he later attempted to move from the compound in an effort to conceal the crime.


Unbeknownst to him, an eyewitness still inside Ayo’s office had seen the attack. In an attempt to silence the witness, Adebayo allegedly locked the individual in an upstairs room before fleeing the scene with the freezer.


The eyewitness managed to raise the alarm, contacting members of the local vigilante group. Security operatives were immediately alerted and rushed to the scene.


Pursuit and Escape


Later that evening, Adebayo reportedly returned to the compound, unaware that law enforcement had been alerted. Upon noticing the vigilante presence, he fled in his vehicle, prompting a high-speed chase through the streets of Lokoja.


During the chase, another vehicle rammed into the suspect’s car, forcing him to abandon the vehicle and escape into a nearby bush. When the police eventually recovered the vehicle, they found the freezer but it was empty.


Victim’s Background and Suspect’s Troubled Past


The deceased, Aiyepeku Ayo, was a Political Science graduate of the Federal University, Lokoja, and worked as a photojournalist for the online media platform Inside Story. He was widely regarded as dedicated, creative, and passionate about storytelling through images and video.


The suspect, Adebayo Pelumi, is said to have a history of violent behavior. Sources close to the investigation revealed that his wife left him just two months ago due to domestic violence. There are also unconfirmed reports linking him to drug use and possible ritualistic motives behind the killing.


Police Response and Ongoing Investigation


Confirming the incident, Kogi State Police Command spokesperson, SP Williams Aya, stated that the case was officially reported on the same day the murder occurred. He said police responded swiftly to the distress call and recovered the suspect’s abandoned vehicle.


“The case was reported to us on 22nd July. Police officers immediately mobilized to the scene, and we recovered a vehicle belonging to the suspect,” Aya said.

 

“However, the suspect had already fled into the bush. We have launched a manhunt and an investigation is ongoing. We will ensure that justice is served.”


Community in Mourning


The incident has sent shockwaves throughout Lokoja and Nigeria’s media community, with tributes pouring in for Ayo, whose life was cut short in such a horrifying manner. Colleagues and friends described him as “humble, hardworking, and full of promise.”


Authorities are urging anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of Adebayo Pelumi to come forward.


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