Operatives of the Ogun State Police Command have arrested three suspects in connection with the gruesome murder of a former staff member of Ogun State Television (OGTV), Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, at her residence in the Kobape area of Abeokuta.

The suspects are Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22; Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27; and Sobu Obafunsho, 36.

The Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, while briefing journalists on the incident, said the suspects left behind a handwritten note after committing the crime, which provided crucial leads for investigators and eventually led to their arrest.

Ojajuni said the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, enlisted the assistance of the other two suspects to kill the deceased because he was aggrieved over unpaid wages while working as her security guard.

He explained that Olajuwon was arrested at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.

“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 that significantly aided detectives in identifying and tracing those responsible for the crime.

“Further follow-up operations by detectives of the command led to the successful arrest of Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer, thereby bringing into custody all identified suspects directly linked to the criminal conspiracy.

“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,” he said.

The commissioner added that the principal suspect confessed that the attack was planned because of grievances he harboured against the deceased while working as her security guard.

According to him, the suspect stated that the murder of Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to “teach her a lesson”.

Ojajuni said that following the suspects’ confessional statements, detectives carried out further searches at locations linked to them. During the operation, they recovered a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other exhibits relevant to the investigation.

He stressed that all the suspects remained entitled to due process under the law, adding that investigations were ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure the diligent prosecution of everyone connected with the crime.

Ojajuni reiterated that the command remained committed to ensuring that justice is served and that all those involved in the heinous crime are brought to book.