Author: Gist Correspondent

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the murder of veteran broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, after a handwritten note recovered at the crime scene provided a crucial breakthrough in the investigation.

Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed the arrests on Thursday while briefing journalists at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta. He said intelligence-led operations, technical tracking and forensic analysis led detectives to the suspects.

Oyesiku, a retired staff member of Ogun State Television (OGTV), and Adetayo were found dead at the broadcaster’s residence in Owode-Egba on June 21, while her Lexus RX 330 SUV was reported missing.

According to Ojajuni, police received a distress report about suspicious activity at the residence and, upon arrival, discovered signs of forced entry. Adetayo was found dead inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was discovered in the living room of the main building.

Investigators processed the scene and launched a search for the missing vehicle, which was recovered the following day through intelligence and technical tracking. Although the vehicle’s ignition key and number plates had been removed, detectives found the registration plate hidden beneath a seat, confirming ownership.

The police commissioner said a handwritten note left behind by the perpetrators proved instrumental in the investigation. Forensic examination of the note generated leads that enabled detectives to identify and trace the suspects.

The prime suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he worked as a labourer. Subsequent operations led to the arrest of 27-year-old Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and 36-year-old Sobu Obafunsho.

Ojajuni said Philip confessed to orchestrating the attack and admitted recruiting the two other suspects. He reportedly told investigators that he targeted Oyesiku over grievances from his previous employment as a security guard at her residence, claiming he wanted to “teach her a lesson.”

Police investigations revealed that the suspects attacked on June 20, first overpowering Adetayo before using him to gain access to the house. Both victims were subsequently killed before the suspects fled with Oyesiku’s vehicle.

Further searches linked to the suspects led to the recovery of several exhibits, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen believed to be connected to the crime.

Ojajuni stressed that investigations remain ongoing despite the confessional statements and evidence recovered, noting that all suspects are entitled to due process. He assured residents that the command would ensure justice is served and all those involved in the killings are prosecuted.