Police in southwestern Ogun State have arrested three suspects in connection with the killing of a former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster and her security guard, authorities said on Thursday.

The victims, identified as Olakitan Oyesiku, a retired broadcaster, and Pelumi Adetayo, her security guard, were found dead at Oyesiku’s residence in Owode-Egba on June 21.

Speaking at a press briefing in Abeokuta, Ogun State Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni said the arrests followed intelligence gathering, technical tracking operations and forensic analysis conducted by detectives investigating the double murder.

According to Ojajuni, officers attached to the Owode-Egba Police Station received a report of suspicious circumstances at the residence at about 4:00 p.m. on June 21 after the front door was found partially damaged and the security post within the compound locked.

“Preliminary information indicated that the front door of the residence had been partially damaged while the security house within the compound was found locked, prompting immediate police intervention,” Ojajuni said.

The police commissioner said investigators discovered Adetayo’s body inside the security house, while Oyesiku was found lying in a pool of blood in the living room of the main building.

“The crime scene was scientifically processed,” Ojajuni said, adding that a Lexus RX 330 belonging to the deceased was missing from the premises, raising suspicions of robbery and murder.

According to him, detectives recovered the vehicle on June 22 through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations.

Ojajuni said investigators also recovered a handwritten note allegedly left behind by the perpetrators, which was subjected to forensic examination.

“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators. The note was subjected to forensic examination and analysis, which generated valuable investigative leads,” he said.

The police commissioner said the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.

Further operations led to the arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, Ojajuni said.

According to the police chief, Philip confessed to involvement in the killings and admitted recruiting the two other suspects.

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

The suspect told investigators he planned the attack because of grievances stemming from the period he worked as a security guard for the deceased.

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

According to police, the suspects carried out the attack on June 20 by first overpowering Adetayo and using him to gain access to the residence.

“Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard,” Ojajuni said, adding that the suspects fled with the victim’s vehicle after the attack.

Detectives later recovered several exhibits linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen, according to the commissioner.

Ojajuni said investigations were continuing to consolidate evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the case.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law,” he said.

He assured residents that the command remained committed to securing justice for the victims and bringing all those involved in the killings to account.