Kogi Photographer's Father Suffers Fatal Stroke Following His Son's Murder
In the heart of Kogi State, the community is in mourning following the gruesome murder of photojournalist Ayobami Aiyepeku on the night of July 22, 2025. The suspected killer, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, a colleague and friend, allegedly took Ayobami's life in an office near the Government House in Lokoja before committing suicide days later.
Ayobami's decomposed body was discovered in a bush in zone eight near the JAMB office in Lokoja on July 27, 2025. His father, Chief James Aiyepeku, publicly appealed for the authorities to recover his son's body and bring the perpetrators to justice. Unfortunately, Chief James Aiyepeku passed away approximately 21 days after his son's brutal killing, reportedly due to the shock and grief from the incident.
The Kogi State Government, led by Governor Usman Ododo, has assured the family that a thorough and discreet investigation will be conducted to uncover the truths behind the murder. Security agencies have been directed to unravel the circumstances of Ayobami’s death. The police have also recovered some items linked to the suspect including a Hilux vehicle and a deep freezer.
The family and the public continue to demand justice and timely answers regarding the murder and the circumstances of both deaths. The elder brother of Ayobami, Timothy Aiyepeku, stated that the circumstances surrounding Ayobami's death remain suspicious, particularly the disappearance of his phone and that of the suspected killer. The family is urging the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation, hoping for justice to be served.
The Aiyepeku family continues to hold onto their faith despite their loss. Timothy Aiyepeku also expressed that their father was deeply traumatized by Ayobami's murder. Despite initial signs of recovery, James Aiyepeku's condition worsened and he succumbed to his illness on Tuesday, August 12.
As of late August 2025, no further updates beyond these events have been reported. The Kogi State Police Command's spokesperson, Superintendent of Police Williams Ovye-Aya, identified Oluwapelumi Adebayo as the prime suspect in Ayobami Aiyepeku's murder. The family believes that the police can do their job and ensure justice for Ayobami. They continue to call for the police to put in the needed resources to see that justice is achieved for him.
[1] Kogi Post, "Kogi State Photojournalist Murdered: Family Seeks Justice," July 25, 2025. [2] The Nation, "Kogi Photojournalist's Father Dies of Shock," August 13, 2025. [3] Vanguard, "Public Demands Justice in Kogi Photojournalist's Murder," August 10, 2025. [4] Punch, "Kogi State Government Assures Thorough Investigation in Photojournalist's Murder," July 28, 2025. [5] Daily Trust, "Kogi Photojournalist's Body Found in Bush," July 27, 2025.
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