Lokoja Correctional Officer Murders, Dismembers Neighbour, Flees with Body Parts in Freezer

A tragic and horrifying incident has rocked the Government Reserved Area (GRA) of Lokoja, Kogi State, following the brutal murder of a local photojournalist by his neighbour, a prison officer. The suspect, identified as Adebayo Pelumi of the Nigerian Correctional Service, is accused of killing Aiyepeku Ayo, dismembering his body, and attempting to flee with the remains hidden in a freezer.

The incident occurred on Tuesday, July 22, 2025, within the residential compound shared by both men. According to reports from True Crime Tony, Ayo was editing photos in his office when Pelumi lured him outside under the pretense of needing assistance at a nearby poultry farm within the same compound. Unbeknownst to Pelumi, Ayo was not alone—an eyewitness was present inside the office and saw the shocking events unfold.

As Ayo stepped out, Pelumi allegedly attacked him without warning, striking him with an iron rod and shooting him in the head. The assault was described as swift and brutal, giving the victim no chance to defend himself. The suspect then reportedly dismembered the body and packed the remains into a freezer.

Pelumi locked the eyewitness in an upstairs room before fleeing the scene with the freezer. The witness eventually managed to alert local vigilantes, who responded quickly and involved the police. Pelumi later returned to the compound but fled upon seeing the vigilantes, leading to a high-speed chase through Lokoja.

During the chase, another vehicle struck Pelumi’s car from behind, forcing him to abandon it and escape on foot into a nearby bush. When the police recovered the vehicle, the freezer was found empty. Authorities suspect he may have disposed of the body parts during the escape.

The victim, Ayo, was a graduate of Political Science from the Federal University, Lokoja, and worked with the online media platform *Inside Story*. His accused killer, Pelumi, is said to have a history of violent behaviour. His wife reportedly left him two months ago due to domestic abuse, and there are allegations of drug use. Some sources have speculated a possible ritual motive behind the killing.

Kogi State Police Command has confirmed the incident. Police Public Relations Officer, Williams Aya, said the command received the report on the same day and responded immediately. While the suspect managed to flee into the bush, the police have launched a manhunt and assured the public that justice will be served.

The community remains in shock as investigations continue into one of the most disturbing crimes in recent memory in Lokoja.