By Adekunle Oluwafunmilayo
The tragic killing of veteran broadcaster, Madam Olakitan "Kitan" Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, 38, has sent shockwaves across Ogun State, with police alleging that the crime was orchestrated by a former employee once entrusted with her safety.
The Ogun State Police Command on Thursday paraded the principal suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, 22, alongside two alleged accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36, at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta.
Addressing journalists, the Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the investigation commenced after concerned individuals reported suspicious circumstances at Madam Oyesiku's residence on June 21.
Detectives who arrived at the scene discovered the lifeless body of the security guard inside the security post, while the veteran broadcaster was found in a pool of blood in her living room. Her Lexus RX 330 SUV was also missing, prompting an intensive investigation involving intelligence gathering, forensic analysis, and technical tracking.
According to the police, a major breakthrough came from a handwritten note allegedly recovered at the scene. Forensic examination and subsequent investigations reportedly led detectives to the suspects.
Police alleged that the principal suspect, a former security guard employed by the deceased, confessed to recruiting the other two suspects. Investigators said he claimed to have harboured grievances against Madam Oyesiku during his period of employment and allegedly stated that the attack was intended to "teach her a lesson."
The Command further alleged that the suspects overpowered the security guard, forced their way into the residence, murdered both victims, and fled with the deceased's vehicle, which was later recovered in the Onikolobo area of Abeokuta.
A subsequent search reportedly led to the recovery of several exhibits, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a wooden plank, a black pen, and other items believed to be connected to the crime.
Reacting to the development, Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Ogun State Council, Comrade Wale Olanrewaju, commended the Ogun State Police Command for its swift and professional investigation, which led to the arrest of the suspects. He urged the authorities to ensure diligent prosecution to secure justice for the deceased and their families.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns over violent crime and the betrayal of trust by individuals once considered close to their victims.
The police have reiterated that the suspects remain presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings commence, colleagues, family members, and admirers of the late broadcaster are hopeful that justice will be served and that the tragic loss of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and Pelumi Adetayo will not be in vain.
