…we killed her to teach her a lesson – Suspect
By Seun Ibiyemi
The Ogun State Police Command has arrested three suspects over the gruesome murder of businesswoman, Madam Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, following a forensic and intelligence-led investigation that also led to the recovery of the deceased’s stolen vehicle.
Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this on Thursday during a press briefing at the Ogun State Police Command Headquarters, Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Ojajuni said the case was reported to the Owode-Egba Police Station on June 21 after suspicious circumstances were observed at Oyesiku’s residence, including a damaged front door and a locked security post.
According to him, detectives who responded to the scene discovered the lifeless body of the security guard inside the security house, while Madam Oyesiku was found in a pool of blood inside the main building.
He said preliminary investigations revealed that the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) had been stolen, prompting the Command to launch intensive intelligence gathering and technical tracking operations.
The police commissioner disclosed that operatives recovered the stolen vehicle on June 22 at Onikolobo area of Ogun State. Although the ignition key and registration plates had been removed, investigators found the vehicle’s number plate concealed beneath one of the seats, confirming its ownership.
Ojajuni said detectives also recovered a handwritten note at the crime scene, which was subjected to forensic examination and provided critical leads that aided investigators in identifying the suspects.
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 two alleged accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, a bricklayer.
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According to the police commissioner, the principal suspect confessed to planning the attack and recruiting the two other suspects to carry out the crime.
He said the suspect told investigators that he targeted Madam Oyesiku over grievances stemming from the period he worked as her security guard, claiming the murder was intended to “teach her a lesson.”
Police said the suspects allegedly carried out the attack on June 20 by first overpowering the security guard and using him to gain access to the residence before killing both victims and fleeing with the deceased’s vehicle.
Following the confessional statements, detectives conducted further searches and recovered a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other exhibits believed to be connected to the crime.
Ojajuni said although the suspects had made confessional statements and substantial evidence had been recovered, investigations were still ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution.
He stressed that the suspects remain entitled to due process under the law and reaffirmed the Command’s commitment to ensuring justice for the victims.
