The Ogun State Police Command has arrested a 22-year-old suspect alongside two others in connection with the murder of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Olakitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

The State Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed this during a press briefing held at the command headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Thursday.

Ojajuni explained that the arrests followed a series of intelligence-driven operations, including technical tracking and forensic analysis, carried out by detectives investigating the double homicide.

The victims were discovered dead on June 21 at Oyesiku’s residence in the Owode-Egba area of Ogun State. Her Lexus RX 330 vehicle was also reported missing from the premises.

According to the police boss, officers received a distress report at about 4:00 p.m. on the day of the incident regarding suspicious activity at the residence.

Upon arrival, detectives observed signs of forced entry, including a partially damaged front door, while the security post within the compound was found locked.

“Further examination revealed the lifeless body of the security guard inside the security house, while Madam Oyesiku was found in a pool of blood in the living room,” Ojajuni stated.

He added that the crime scene was thoroughly processed, and preliminary findings suggested a case of robbery and murder, especially following the disappearance of the victim’s vehicle.

The missing vehicle was later recovered on June 22 through intelligence-led tracking operations in the Onikolobo area of Ogun State. Despite attempts by the perpetrators to conceal its identity by removing the ignition key and number plates, detectives were able to identify it after discovering the registration plate hidden beneath one of the seats.

Ojajuni revealed that a handwritten note recovered from the scene proved crucial to the investigation. Forensic analysis of the note provided valuable leads that aided in tracking down the suspects.

The principal suspect, identified as Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, where he worked as a labourer. Subsequent operations led to the arrest of two accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, a security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, a bricklayer.

During interrogation, Philip reportedly confessed to the crime, admitting that he recruited the two other suspects. He stated that the attack was motivated by grievances from his previous employment as a security guard for the deceased.

“The suspect claimed the act was intended to ‘teach her a lesson,’” Ojajuni said.

Police investigations further revealed that the suspects carried out the attack on June 20. They allegedly overpowered Adetayo and used him to gain access to the residence before attacking Oyesiku. Both victims were subsequently killed.

After the incident, the suspects fled with the stolen vehicle, which was later recovered.

The Commissioner of Police disclosed that several items linked to the crime, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a plank, and a black pen, were recovered during follow-up searches.

Ojajuni emphasised that although the suspects have made confessional statements and key evidence has been obtained, investigations are still ongoing.

“All suspects remain entitled to due process under the law. The command is working to consolidate all evidence to ensure diligent prosecution,” he said.

He assured residents that the police remain committed to securing justice for the victims and bringing all those involved to account.