A desire to “teach her a lesson” over past employment grievances was the driving force behind the brutal murder of former Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Ms. Kiitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

The Ogun State Police Command revealed the motive following a major breakthrough that led to the arrest of three suspects linked to the double homicide.

Speaking at a press briefing at the Command Headquarters in Eleweran, Abeokuta, on Thursday, the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, disclosed that the breakthrough came after forensic experts analyzed a handwritten note left at the crime scene.

The scientific lead narrowed down the search and pointed detectives toward the principal suspect.

The alleged mastermind, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, a former security guard employed by the deceased, was arrested at a construction site in the Ibara GRA, where he was working as a laborer to evade capture.

Following his arrest, police operatives apprehended two alleged accomplices: Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, 27, and Sobu Obafunsho, 36.

According to police investigations, the suspects stormed Oyesiku’s Abeokuta residence, overpowered the security guard, and forced him to grant them entry into the main building before launching their fatal attack on the broadcaster, and then her guard.

Following the killings, the suspects fled with Oyesiku’s Lexus RX 330 SUV.

However, an intelligence-led operation tracked and recovered the vehicle in the Onikolobo area of Abeokuta within 24 hours.

To conceal its identity, the suspects had removed the ignition key and the license plates, though detectives later found the registration plates hidden underneath one of the car seats.

Search operations at locations linked to the suspects also yielded several items believed to have been used in the assault, including a broken hammer, a cutlass, a wooden plank, and a black pen.

Commissioner Ojajuni commended the integration of technology and forensic science in modern policing, noting that technical tracking and scientific evidence were instrumental in swiftly resolving the case.

While assuring the public that the command remains resolute in securing justice for the victims, Ojajuni reminded the public that the suspects maintain the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law.

Counsel to Dr. Samuel Obinna Ojogbo, a lecturer at University of Lagos accused of raping a 20-year-old student, Finyinfoluwa Owonifari, Bidemi Ademola-Bello (SAN), has accused the alleged victim of falsely implicating his client.

Ademola-Bello made the allegation during the cross-examination of the complainant at the Lagos State High Court on Monday.

During the proceedings, the defence counsel argued that inconsistencies in the witness’s testimony suggested that the allegations were fabricated to tarnish his client’s reputation.

The counsel also questioned why the complainant allegedly destroyed a key piece of evidence in the case, adding that some of her responses contradicted her earlier statements.

When asked to identify a photograph of the alleged crime scene, the witness said she could not recognise it, although she claimed the office had no window.

The senior advocate further questioned her about statements she made at the Gender Unit of the Lagos State Police Command, which she confirmed making on September 2, 2025. She also acknowledged making two separate statements at the Bariga Police Station on August 28, 2025.

The statements were tendered before the court and admitted as exhibits without objection from the prosecution.

The defence also questioned the complainant about the clothes she wore on the day of the alleged incident, asking whether she had earlier told the police she wore black trousers and a short-sleeved multicoloured shirt on August 28.

She explained that when she visited the medical centre on August 22, 2025, the doctor only conducted a swab test and prescribed medication without carrying out further examinations.

The witness stated that she reported the incident to Dr. Abu, who subsequently contacted her uncle, adding that she reached out to him because he was a lecturer in her department.

When asked whether she had any personal relationship with Dr. Abu, she replied in the negative.

Meanwhile, she had previous phone conversations with Dr Abu earlier on that day as revealed by the call log she provided to the police despite testifying that she had only called Dr Abu for the first time when she reported the incident.

When asked how she got Dr Abu’s phone number, she said that the number was provided in class to everyone

Justice Ogala subsequently adjourned the matter until May 25 for further proceedings.

The Ogun State Police Command has officially launched Gateway Shield, a digital policing platform designed to modernize security services and simplify how residents report crimes.

The initiative was unveiled by the outgoing Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, during his farewell ceremony in Abeokuta as he transitions to the rank of Assistant Inspector-General (AIG).

Ogunlowo, who led the command from 2024 to 2026, explained that the platform allows members of the public to make reports anonymously from any location.

Residents can access these services by downloading the “Gateway Shield” app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store, visiting www.thegatewayshield.com, or calling the toll-free line at 0800 000 9111.

The outgoing Commissioner emphasized his personal commitment to the app’s success, assuring the public that the system will remain functional and effective after his departure.

Despite these technological advancements, Ogunlowo expressed serious concern regarding the state’s changing security landscape.

He noted that criminal elements and bandits are increasingly exploiting the dense forests in the Ijebu axis as hideouts for kidnapping and other illicit activities.

This shift is reportedly a result of intensified security operations in other parts of Nigeria, which have forced displaced criminals to seek refuge in Ogun State’s forested terrains.

To combat this “new dimension” of criminal tactics, the Command is strengthening its collaboration with neighboring states and security agencies to launch cross-border operations.

Ogunlowo maintained that the police are working tirelessly to dislodge these elements from their operational bases.

Reflecting on his tenure, the police boss attributed the command’s successes to the unwavering support of Governor Dapo Abiodun, traditional rulers, and the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC).

He concluded by praising the public for their cooperation, stating that the people are the ultimate “boss” of the police service and that his administration prioritized being accessible and responsive to their needs.