By Daily Review Online
A handwritten note allegedly left at the scene of the murder of former Ogun State Television broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, has emerged as the crucial clue that helped police track down and arrest three suspects, including her former security guard.
The Ogun State Police Command said forensic examination of the note provided investigators with vital leads that ultimately led to the arrest of the suspects over the killing of Oyesiku and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
Speaking at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Thursday, Commissioner of Police Bode Ojajuni said the breakthrough came after days of intelligence gathering, technical tracking and forensic analysis.
Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead on June 21 at the retired broadcaster’s residence in Owode-Egba, Ogun State. Her Lexus RX 330 SUV was also missing from the premises.
According to Ojajuni, officers who responded to a distress report discovered signs of forced entry at the residence. Adetayo’s body was found inside the security post, while Oyesiku was discovered in a pool of blood in the main building.
Investigators initially suspected robbery and murder after discovering that the deceased’s vehicle had been taken. The Lexus was recovered a day later through intelligence-led operations, despite attempts by the suspects to conceal its identity by removing its ignition key and registration plates.
However, police said the investigation took a decisive turn after detectives recovered a handwritten note from the crime scene.
“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,” Ojajuni said.
Acting on the leads, detectives arrested the principal suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, on June 24. Subsequent operations led to the arrest of two alleged accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36.
Police said Philip confessed to the crime and admitted recruiting the other two suspects.
In a chilling twist, investigators said the suspect claimed he planned the attack because of grievances stemming from his previous employment as Oyesiku’s security guard.
“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,’” Ojajuni disclosed.
According to police findings, the suspects allegedly overpowered Adetayo before using him to gain access to the house. Both victims were later killed, while the attackers fled with the broadcaster’s vehicle.
Further searches linked to the suspects led to the recovery of several items believed to have been used in the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank and a black pen.
While the suspects have reportedly made confessional statements, Ojajuni stressed that investigations remain ongoing and that all those arrested are entitled to due process.
He assured residents that the command would ensure diligent prosecution of everyone connected to the double murder and secure justice for the victims.