The Kogi State capital has been thrown into shock and mourning following the alleged brutal murder of a young photographer, Aiyepeku Ayo, by a staff of the Nigerian Correctional Service (NCS), identified as Adebayo Pelumi.
The incident reportedly occurred on Tuesday night near the Kogi Chieftaincy Lodge, close to Government House, Lokoja, where both men had been working together editing videos.
According to eyewitness accounts, Pelumi lured Ayo outside their shared editing space and allegedly struck him fatally on the head. He is then believed to have dismembered the victim’s body and concealed the parts inside a fridge stored in the back of his Hilux vehicle.
Although the witness could not immediately raise the alarm, he reportedly contacted the police, prompting a manhunt. Pelumi managed to escape the scene, abandoning his dented vehicle in the process.
Further reports indicate that the suspect is a serving officer at the Nigerian Correctional Service in Lokoja. Troubling revelations also suggest a history of violence, with sources claiming his wife recently fled to Abuja after a near-fatal domestic incident.
The victim, Aiyepeku Ayo, was described as a gifted photographer and a graduate of the Federal University Lokoja. His death has sparked outrage across the community and among his peers, many of whom are calling for justice and swift action from law enforcement.
“This is a devastating loss,” said one of his former course mates. “Ayo was full of life, exceptionally talented, and had so much ahead of him. We demand that his killer be brought to justice.”
The motive behind the gruesome killing remains unclear, and police authorities are continuing investigations.
Kogi State Police Command has appealed to the public for assistance in locating the suspect. Anyone with useful information is urged to contact the nearest police station.
As of the time of filing this report, Adebayo Pelumi remains at large.
