Why we killed ex-OGTV broadcaster — Suspect

A 22-year-old suspect, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, has told police that he orchestrated the killing of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, to “teach her a lesson” over grievances he allegedly harboured from the period he worked as her security guard.

Philip was among three suspects arrested by the Ogun State Police Command in connection with the murder of Oyesiku and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

Parading the suspects on Thursday at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, said investigations revealed that Philip recruited two accomplices — Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36 — to carry out the attack.

Oyesiku and Adetayo were found dead at the retired broadcaster’s residence in Owode-Egba, Ogun State, on June 21, while her Lexus RX 330 SUV was reported missing.

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According to Ojajuni, detectives launched intelligence-driven and forensic investigations immediately after the incident.

The stolen vehicle was recovered the following day through technical tracking, despite efforts by the suspects to conceal its identity.

“One critical piece of evidence recovered from the scene was a handwritten note apparently left behind by the perpetrators.

“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,” the police commissioner said.

Ojajuni disclosed that Philip was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he worked as a labourer. Further operations led to the arrest of the two other suspects.

“During interrogation, Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip made a confessional statement, admitting his involvement in the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku.

“He further disclosed that he had recruited Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola and Sobu Obafunsho to participate in the crime,” he said.

Explaining the motive behind the killing, Ojajuni quoted the suspect as saying the attack was meant to punish the deceased.

“The suspect stated that the murder of Madam Olakitan Oyesiku was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,’” he added.

The police commissioner further revealed how the suspects allegedly carried out the attack.

“According to the statement, they first overpowered the security guard, Pelumi Adetayo, and used him to gain access to the residence.

Upon gaining entry, they attacked Madam Olakitan Oyesiku and subsequently murdered the security guard.

“After committing the crime, the suspects fled the scene with the deceased’s Lexus RX 330 vehicle, which was later recovered through intelligence-led and technical tracking operations at the Onikolobo area of Ogun State,” Ojajuni stated.

He added that investigators recovered several exhibits linked to the crime following the suspects’ confessions.

“Following the suspects’ confessional statements, detectives conducted further searches at locations linked to them.

During the operation, a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, a black pen and other relevant exhibits connected to the investigation were recovered,” he said.

Ojajuni assured residents that the command would ensure justice for the victims, stressing that investigations were ongoing.

“The Ogun State Police Command wishes to emphasise that while the suspects have made useful statements and substantial evidence has been recovered in the course of the investigation, all suspects remain entitled to due process under the law.

“Investigation is ongoing to consolidate all available evidence and ensure diligent prosecution of all suspects connected with the crime,” he said.