Three people arrested as police uncover murder of former OGTV presenter, security guard in Ogun

The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three men in connection with the brutal murder of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and his security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, following what investigators described as a grueling intelligence-driven operation.

The breakthrough was announced on Thursday by the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, during a press conference at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.

According to the police chief, detectives deployed intelligence gathering, forensic examination and technical tracking tools to identify and arrest those allegedly responsible for the double murder.

Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead at the broadcaster’s residence in Owode-Egba area on June 21. His Lexus RX 330 SUV was also missing from the property, fueling suspicions that a robbery may have been connected to the murder.

Ojajuni revealed that the police were alerted to the incident after an emergency report was lodged at Owode-Egba Police Station at around 4pm on the day the body was discovered.

“Initial information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while security personnel inside the complex were found locked, prompting police to immediately intervene,” Ojajuni said.

Responding officers who arrived at the scene reportedly found Adetayo dead inside the security post, while Oyesiku’s body was found in the living room of the main house.

“The crime scene has been scientifically processed. Further preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle was missing from the complex giving rise to suspicion of robbery and murder,” he added.

The commissioner said that investigators quickly launched efforts to trace the stolen vehicle, which then led to its recovery the next day through an intelligence-led operation.

A major breakthrough in the investigation came from handwritten notes allegedly left by the attackers.

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“Even though the ignition key had been removed and the registration number plate was detached from the vehicle, detectives discovered the vehicle number plate hidden under one of the seats, which allowed investigators to positively identify and confirm the vehicle as belonging to Mrs Olakitan Oyesiku.

“One of the important pieces of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left by the perpetrators. The note underwent forensic examination and analysis, which yielded valuable investigative leads that significantly assisted detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime,” he said.

Following leads generated from investigations, police arrested the alleged mastermind, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, on June 24 at a construction site at Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was reportedly working as a labourer.

Further operations led to the arrest of two additional suspects identified as Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.

Ojajuni said the three suspects are believed to have participated in the criminal plot.

“Further follow-up operations carried out by commando detectives resulted in the arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho, thereby arresting all the suspects identified as directly linked to the criminal conspiracy.

“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Mrs Olakitan Oyesiku. He further revealed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to take part in the crime.”

Investigators were told that Philip allegedly targeted the deceased because of unresolved grievances from when he worked as a security guard at her residence.

“The suspect stated that the murder of Mrs Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,” Ojajuni added.

The police further revealed that the attack was allegedly carried out on June 20, starting with the arrest of security officers before accessing the residence.

“According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, and used him to gain access to the residence. Once inside, they assaulted Mrs Olakitan Oyesiku and then killed the security guard.

“After committing the crime, the suspects fled the scene in the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle, which was later recovered through technical tracking and intelligence operations in Onikolobo area of ​​Ogun State,” the CP said.

A search conducted after the arrest turned up several items believed to be related to the crime.

“Following the suspects’ confession statements, detectives carried out further searches at locations linked to them. During the operation, broken hammers, short swords, boards, black pens and other relevant evidence related to the investigation were found,” he said.

Although significant progress has been made, the commissioner stressed that the investigation remains active and all suspects are entitled to fair legal treatment.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasize that although the suspects have made useful statements and important evidence has been discovered during investigations, all suspects remain entitled to due process of law.

“Investigations are ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure thorough prosecution of all suspects associated with the crime,” he added.

Ojajuni assured residents that the command will pursue the case to its conclusion and ensure that all persons linked to the murder are brought to justice.