The father of slain Kogi photojournalist, Ayobami Aiyepeku, has died less than a month after his son was killed in Lokoja.
Chief James Aiyepeku reportedly suffered a stroke on August 6, believed to have been triggered by the shock of Ayobami’s death on July 22. He died on Tuesday, August 12.
Speaking on Wednesday at the family’s Lokoja residence, Ayobami’s elder brother, Timothy Aiyepeku, said their father had been traumatised since the incident.
“After making arrangements for the release of Ayobami’s corpse for burial, I returned home to find my father had collapsed and was hospitalised. Despite showing signs of recovery, his condition worsened, and he passed away,” Timothy recounted.
He alleged that the family suspected foul play in Ayobami’s killing, noting that both the victim’s phone and that of the suspected killer were missing.
The Kogi State Police Command had earlier identified Ayobami’s colleague, Oluwapelumi Adebayo, as the prime suspect.
Police spokesperson SP Williams Ovye-Aya alleged that Adebayo killed Ayobami in an office at GRA, near the Government House, Lokoja, before allegedly taking his own life.
Adebayo’s body was found in a Lokoja hotel room on July 23, hours after police launched a manhunt for him.
Timothy called on the police to conduct a thorough investigation. “We believe the police can do the job.
They should commit the necessary resources to ensure justice is achieved for my brother,” he said, adding that the family is holding on to their faith for divine justice.
The police investigation into the incident is ongoing.