Lokoja hotel sealed following murder case

The Chairman of Lokoja Local Government Area, Abdullahi Adamu, has ordered the immediate closure of Abidan 115 Hotel, where a suspect in a murder case was reportedly found dead by suicide on Thursday.

The closure, confirmed in an official statement on Friday, aims to preserve evidence and support ongoing investigations by security agencies.

The suspect, Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, a staff member of the Nigerian Correctional Service, was declared wanted following the suspected murder of Ayobami Aiyepeku, a photojournalist, on Tuesday.

The incident reportedly took place in an office near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.

Pelumi’s body was later discovered in a room at Abidan 115 Hotel, according to the Kogi State Police Command.

Police spokesman, SP William Ovye-Aya, confirmed the development and said the Command had earlier launched a manhunt for the suspect before the discovery.

Chairman Adamu, who has visited the scenes involved, extended condolences to the Aiyepeku family and friends.

He assured that authorities are making every effort to locate Ayobami’s body for a proper and dignified burial.

As of Friday, the deceased’s body had not been recovered.

The late photojournalist’s father, Chief James Aiyepeku, has appealed to Governor Ahmed Ododo and security agencies to ensure justice is served by finding his son’s remains and prosecuting those responsible.

Adamu also called on the public to remain calm as investigations continue into the circumstances surrounding both the murder and the alleged suicide.