Suspected Ritualist Murders Photojournalist in Lokoja

Tragedy struck in Lokoja, Kogi State, on Tuesday evening as a photojournalist, Ayo Aiyepekun, was brutally murdered by a suspected ritualist, identified as Adebayo Pelumi, a staff member of the Nigeria Correctional Service.

The incident occurred at the premises of Inside Story, a local media outlet where the victim worked. Aiyepekun was reportedly attacked and killed within the compound that houses both the media office and the suspect’s poultry farm.

An eyewitness, who is also a staff member at Inside Story, recounted that the incident happened around 7:30 p.m. He said Adebayo Pelumi had called the victim out of the office on the pretext of needing help at his nearby poultry. Unaware that Aiyepekun was not alone, the suspect allegedly ambushed and struck him repeatedly with an iron object, killing him instantly.

“I was working with Ayo in the office when Adebayo called him. Minutes after he stepped out, I heard strange noises and peeked out to see Adebayo lifting Ayo’s lifeless body into a deep freezer,” the witness said.

According to the eyewitness, the suspect later attempted to load the body into a Hilux van. The witness immediately raised an alarm and contacted local residents, who alerted the neighborhood vigilante group. However, by the time they arrived, the suspect had already fled with the body.

During a search of the premises, the vigilante team found blood stains in the deep freezer and around the poultry area. Later, as the group remained at the scene, the suspect reportedly drove back into the compound but quickly reversed and fled upon noticing the crowd. He was pursued, and during the chase, his vehicle crashed. Pelumi then allegedly fled the scene on foot.

Blood stains were discovered inside the van, further confirming suspicions of foul play.

The motive behind the murder is still under investigation, but residents fear it may be connected to ritual activity, given the disturbing nature of the crime and the attempt to conceal the body.

The case has been reported to the Kogi State Police Command, and investigations are ongoing. As of the time of this report, the victim’s body has not been recovered, and the suspect remains at large.

Additional reports indicate that Adebayo Pelumi had a troubled domestic history. His wife reportedly separated from him two months ago due to frequent domestic violence.

Authorities have urged members of the public to remain calm and assist law enforcement with any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspect.