The family of Ayobami Aiyepeku, a photojournalist brutally murdered on July 22, 2025, in Kogi State, has suffered another devastating loss; this has become a heart-wrenching experience for the family.
James Aiyepeku, father of the deceased, passed away on Tuesday, August 12, 2025, after a stroke, reportedly triggered by the shock of his son’s gruesome murder.
Speaking to journalists Wednesday at the family residence in Lokoja, Timothy Aiyepeku, elder brother to the murdered journalist, said their father had been traumatised by Ayobami’s sudden and brutal killing.
“On Wednesday August 6, after rushing out to complete the necessary arrangements towards the release of Ayobami’s corpse for burial, I returned home to the news that my father fell and had been hospitalised.
“Despite initial signs of recovery, my father’s condition worsened, and he eventually succumbed to his illness on Tuesday, August 12,” he said.
The Aiyepeku family is still reeling from the loss of two beloved members in such tragic circumstances.
Timothy pointed out that the family suspected a conspiracy in Ayobami’s death, citing the loss of his phone and the phone of the suspected killer, who allegedly took his own life.
He added: “The family is urging the police to leave no stone unturned in their investigation, trusting that justice will be served.
“We believe that the police can do the job; they should just put in the needed resources to see that justice is achieved for my brother.”
Despite the immense pain and loss, the Aiyepeku family is holding onto their faith, believing that God would ultimately bring justice and vengeance for Ayobami’s brutal murder.
In this difficult period, the family is finding solace in their spiritual beliefs and the support of loved ones, as they remain hopeful that the authorities will uncover the truth behind Ayobami’s murder.
With the police investigation ongoing, the family awaits updates on the progress made so far.
“Up till now, the Police has not communicated to us on the update of their investigation regarding the circumstances behind my brother’s death.
“We believe that they are law enforcement agency and they are doing what is required of them to ensure justice for my late brother,” Timothy noted.
Kogi Police command’s spokesperson, Williams Ovye-Aya, had said that Ayobami Aiyepeku was allegedly gruesomely murdered by his colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo on July 22 in an office near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.
Ovye-Aya also disclosed that Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, the suspected killer of Ayobami Aiyepeku, allegedly committed suicide.
Ovye-Aya said Pelumi’s corpse was found in a hotel room in Lokoja, hours after police launched a manhunt for him on July 23.
