Broadcaster’s Murder: Court remands 22-year-old suspect, two others

A Magistrate Court sitting in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, on Monday ordered the 60-day remand of three suspects connected to the murder of retired Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Kitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.

The Chief Magistrate hearing the case, O. T. Odubanjo, issued the order following an ex parte application filed by the police.

The suspects are to be held at the Oba Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the state Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).

The three individuals remanded are Sodeinde Olajunwon Phillip (22, a former security guard of the deceased), Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola (27, a security guard), and Sobu Obafunsho (36, a bricklayer).

The Legal Officer of the State Criminal Investigation Department, Eleweran, Abeokuta, AS Abiodun, informed the court that an application dated 6th of July sought an order of the court to remand the suspects for 60 days, at first instance, at the Nigeria Correctional Centre pending the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution for the suspects’ arrangement before the court of competent jurisdiction.

He told the court that the application was brought pursuant to Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice and other matters, Ogun 2017 and under the inherent jurisdiction of this court.

Abiodun said a 24-paragraph affidavit attached to the application was deposed to the application by ASP Saka of the homicide section of the State CID.

He informed the Court that 17 exhibits and a written address were equally attached to the application.

The Police legal officer urged the Court to grant the application in the interest of justice.

Ruling on the application, the Chief Magistrate granted the relief as prayed by the Police counsel.

The court adjourned the matter to September 10, 2026.

Speaking with the journalists, the Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Oluseyi Babaseyi, said that “The suspects have been remanded for 60 days on court order pending the legal advice from the DPP for the continuation of the case.

“Obviously, the suspects have been brought before the court for the offences committed with regards to the killing of Madam Kitan Oyesiku and her security guard, Pelumi.

“The state police command under the leadership of the Commissioner of Police, Bode Ojajuni, is assuring everyone that justice would be served and that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that justice is truly served on this matter.”

Recall that Oyesiku aka Aunty Kitan was murdered in cold blood on Saturday, June 20, at her residence in Agodo village, Kobape area of Abeokuta.

The body of the 67-year-old retired OGTV broadcaster was discovered inside her apartment, lifeless, lying face up with blood-soaked tissue paper beside her, while her security guard was found killed and locked up inside the security house.

The Eagle Online had reported that the police commenced an investigation after residents raised an alarm over suspicious activities at the deceased’s residence.

The State Commissioner of Police, CP Bode Ojajuni, had explained during a press briefing that investigators made a breakthrough after recovering a note from inside the victim’s stolen Lexus RX330.

Forensic analysis of the note led detectives to the prime suspect.

The prime suspect, 22-year-old Sodeinde Olajuwon Philip, was arrested on June 24 at a construction site in Ibara, Abeokuta, where he was working as a labourer.

Further investigations led to the arrest of two accomplices, Sakirudeen Abdulraheem Ayoola, a 27-year-old security guard, and Sobu Obafunsho, a 36-year-old bricklayer.

According to the police, Philip confessed to planning the attack due to a personal grudge he held against Oyesiku from his time working as her security guard.

He claimed the murder was intended to “teach her a lesson.”

The suspects reportedly overpowered the current guard, Adetayo, at his post to gain access to the main compound, where both victims were subsequently killed.

Detectives who initially visited the scene reported signs of forced entry and a struggle.