LOKOJA — Chief James Aiyepeku, father of the late photojournalist Ayobami Aiyepeku who was murdered on 22 July in Kogi State, has died following complications from a stroke reportedly brought on by the trauma of his son’s violent death.
According to Mr Timothy Aiyepeku, elder brother of the slain journalist, their father passed away on Tuesday, 12 August.
He disclosed the tragic development to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Wednesday at the family’s residence in Lokoja.
“On Wednesday, 6 August, after hurrying out to finalise arrangements for the release of Ayobami’s body for burial, I returned to discover that our father had collapsed and was taken to hospital,” Timothy recounted.
“Although he initially showed signs of improvement, his condition deteriorated and he sadly passed away on Tuesday.”
Timothy further revealed that the family suspects foul play in Ayobami’s death, raising concerns about the disappearance of both his phone and that of the prime suspect, who allegedly took his own life.
He urged the police to carry out a thorough investigation, expressing confidence that justice could still be achieved.
“We trust the police to do their job thoroughly,” Timothy said. “They must invest the necessary resources to uncover the truth and ensure justice is served for my brother.”
Despite their sorrow, the Aiyepeku family remains steadfast in their faith, hoping divine justice will prevail.
“We continue to pray and believe that God will expose the truth and bring justice for Ayobami,” he added. “We await updates from the police investigation and believe they are fulfilling their duty.”
The Kogi State Police Command had earlier identified Oluwapelumi Adebayo, a colleague of Ayobami, as the prime suspect in the journalist’s murder.
Superintendent of Police (SP) Williams Ovye-Aya stated that Ayobami was killed on 22 July in an office located at the GRA, near the Government House in Lokoja.
Ovye-Aya added that Oluwapelumi was later found dead in a hotel room in Lokoja on 23 July, just hours after police began searching for him.
His death is being treated as suicide.
Investigations into the double tragedy remain ongoing.
