The Chairman of the Lokoja Local Government, Abdullahi Adamu, has ordered the immediate closure of Abidan 115 Hotel, where a suspect in a high-profile murder case allegedly took his own life on Thursday.
Adamu confirmed the decision in a statement issued on Friday in Lokoja, noting that the hotel’s temporary shutdown is aimed at preserving critical evidence and supporting ongoing investigations.
The deceased suspect, identified as Mr. Jacob Adebayo Pelumi, a staff of the Nigerian Correctional Services, was accused of murdering a photojournalist, Mr. Ayobami Aiyepeku, earlier in the week.
The alleged murder took place on Tuesday at an office located near the Government House/GRA area of Lokoja.
Pelumi, who had reportedly been on the run, was later found dead inside the hotel.
Chairman Adamu, who visited the scene, extended condolences to the family and colleagues of the late Ayobami.
He reassured the public that the local government is fully cooperating with law enforcement to unravel the circumstances surrounding the killing and the suspect’s death.
Despite days of search efforts, Ayobami’s body has not yet been found as of Friday evening.
Adamu appealed to residents to remain calm and allow investigators to complete their work.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the Command’s spokesperson, SP Williams Ovye-Aya, said the body of the suspect, identified as Pelumi, was discovered in a hotel room in Lokoja on Thursday.
His death came just hours after police launched a manhunt for him in connection with the killing.
The deceased’s family has since called for justice, urging the police and the Kogi State government to ensure accountability.
Chief James Aiyepeku, the father of the deceased, appealed to Governor Ahmed Ododo and security agencies to recover his son’s remains and bring those responsible to justice.
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