24/07/2025
A PERSONAL FULL WITNESS REPORT ON THE ALLEGED MURDER OF AYO AIYEPEKU AIYEPEKU BY ONE OLUWAPELUMI TOLANI SIMIDELE ADEBAYO.
On the evening of Tuesday, July 22nd, 2025, around 7:00 PM a horrifying incident disrupted the peace of Lokoja’s elite axis — a stretch of road known for its quietude and proximity to the crème de la crème of the State Capital.
Outside a compound — later to be declared a crime scene — stood the vigilant Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Hon. Abdullahi Adamu, accompanied by the Local Government local traditional security operatives and the Commander of the Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS).
As I alighted from my vehicle alongside others, we approached the group. Greetings were exchanged in keeping with our cultural norm. However, the atmosphere shifted rapidly.
On the ground was Mr Goodness Ujah, distraught, rolling and crying in visible panic. Through his gasps came the chilling words:
“He took this boy... he put him in the deep freezer in the Hilux… please help me… I know the perpetrator’s house!”
While the LG Chairman coordinated a situational briefing with security agents, a White Hilux-like Van vehicle was spotted driving back from the Zenith Bank junction and approaching the same compound. The likes of Kerry Haruna, Prime Abubakar Akojo, (one time protocool staff) and others were visibly present and ready to help.
“This is him! Stop him! He’s the one!” Goodness screamed again.
Instantly, the Chairman, the KSVS Commander, other vehicles on site, and nearby motorcycles launched a coordinated chase. Motorcyclists meandered through narrow paths and alleys, heading toward Nataco, Zone 8, NTA roundabout, and Paparanda. I also joined. It was not about being a HONOURABLE legislator. The vest was off. It was as if the entire city had mobilized, driven by one mission — .
As this chase unfolded, a KSVS backup team sighted the suspect, Pelumi, near Nataco, trying to discard a deep freezer suspected to have been used to convey the body of Ayo Aiyepeku Aiyepeku. The freezer was blood-stained and empty. Confronted by the advancing crowd, Pelumi panicked, jumped back into the Van, and sped off.
The manhunt intensified. The KGVS Commander drove like an F1 specially trained Driver, following him bumper to bumper. Others also displayed different forms of driving skills. Pelumi drove along the Lokoja–Abuja expressway, using a tactical diversion — he deliberately allowed a trailer to hit his Van’s rear, causing brief confusion. Then, in a split second, he jumped out and disappeared into the thick, rain-fed vegetation near the riverbanks of River Niger.
It was now past 9:00 PM. With heavy bushes, approaching river currents, and nightfall setting in, the terrain posed grave risks. Yet, both security and civilian volunteers pressed on — but Pelumi vanished into the dark.
Meanwhile, on the LG Chairman’s directive, the abandoned Van was taken to A Division Police Station, Lokoja, and Mr Goodness filed a formal complaint.
But the haunting question remained:
Where is Ayo Aiyepeku? Alive or dead?
If alive, perhaps he could still be rescued.
If deceased, then his body deserved the dignity of proper retrieval and burial.
THE PROFILE OF THE VICTIM AND THE ACCUSED.
The Victim:
The deceased, Ayo Aiyepeku Aiyepeku, was the son of Mr. and Mrs. Sunday Modupe of Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu Local Government Area, Kogi State. Ayo was young, focused, and full of promise. Known for his humility and dedication to work, he remained a beacon of hope not only to his family but also to the generation he represented. A photographer with class and thirst for excellence in his profession. Always ever gentle and never boisterous.
The Accused:
The alleged perpetrator is Oluwapelumi Tolani Simidele Adebayo, a serving personnel of the Nigerian Correctional Service, Kogi State Command, until this incident.
He also hails from Odo Akodi Compound, Ekinrin-Adde, Ijumu LGA and is the son of Deacon (Barr.) J.O. Adebayo and Deaconess J.O. Adebayo — respected citizens resident in Lagos State.
Though in uniform by profession, Pelumi’s domestic life was allegedly marred by violence. He had been separated from his partner, Laureen, due to persistent domestic abuse. His connection to the crime scene is only by marital affiliation — the compound is believed to belong to his in-law. Pelumi had previously run a livestock business with his estranged wife before mismanaging and selling off the entire venture - using the compound.
SETTING THE RECORD STRAIGHT
In response to rising misinformation:
Pelumi NEVER worked with Goodness. He was not on his media team or project crew.
The only connection to the compound is via his estranged wife, who fled to Abuja due to his violent traits.
At the time of the incident, Pelumi and Ayo were not close friends. Ayo maintained a general posture of respect to everyone, including Pelumi. They were not friends in any context.
The widely circulated claim that Ayo was lured into Pelumi’s room is false. Pelumi has no room to himself in the compound. Not one! Pelumi reportedly beckoned on Ayo to help him with something, and the next thing heard was:
"Goodness, help!”
Followed by dead silence, then the escape in the Van carrying a deep freezer.
UNANSWERED QUESTIONS
- As it were, and like other concerned persons, we are still seeking clarity on the following:
- Was this an intentional act of vengeance?
- Was ritual or organ harvesting involved? Is he working with a Cartel to which he delivered the body?
- Could this be a trait not recently started, judging for the smoothness and smartness in carrying out the dastardly act?
- Was this premeditated, or did it result from an argument gone tragically wrong?
Until Pelumi is found, these questions remain unanswered.
GOVERNOR'S DIRECTIVE AND SECURITY RESPONSE
Upon receiving full briefing, His Excellency the Governor of Kogi State, Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo, gave a 73-hour ultimatum to security agencies to apprehend Pelumi. This is met with an immediate response by:
- The State Security Adviser to the Governor
- The Commissioner of Police
- The State Director of DSS.
We are optimistic this will birth results as instant as the ultimatum. Thanks to the Governor who doesn't accept crime and criminality as a norm that must part and parcel of a society such as ours.
KSVS intensified surveillance and combed areas such as Banda and riverine escape zones.
PUBLIC CALL TO ACTION.
The search is ongoing.
Communities along River Niger, River Benue, and Imeme River downstream are urged to stay vigilant. Report any floating body you see immediately to the nearest Nigeria Police Station.
Importantly too, report any sighting of Pelumi — anywhere — to Police, DSS, Army, or Kogi State Vigilante Service (KSVS).
OLUWAPELUMI TOLANI SIMIDELE ADEBAYO is officially declared WANTED.
This case is not just a criminal matter. It is a moral mirror.
A mirror showing how far we must go to restore safety, trust, and justice — even when it hurts to admit that sometimes, "evil lives among us".
Let justice prevail.
~ Hon Jibril Abu II
