A Magistrates’ Court in Abeokuta, Ogun State, has ordered the 60-day remand of three suspects allegedly linked to the murder of retired Ogun State Television (OGTV) broadcaster, Kitan Oyesiku, and her security guard, Pelumi Adetayo.
The Ogun broadcaster murder case stems from the killing of the 67-year-old retired broadcaster, whose body was discovered inside her residence in Agodo Village, Kobape area of Abeokuta, on June 20.
According to investigators, Oyesiku was found lying lifeless inside her apartment with blood-soaked tissue paper beside her, while her security guard was discovered dead and locked inside the security post within the premises.
Following an intensive investigation, the Nigeria Police recovered the deceased’s missing vehicle and arrested three suspects, including a former security guard of the late broadcaster, another security guard, and a bricklayer.
The suspects were arraigned before the Magistrates’ Court on Monday.
Chief Magistrate O. T. Odubanjo of Court 3, Isabo, granted an ex parte application filed by the Police, ordering that the suspects be remanded at the Nigerian Correctional Centre for 60 days pending legal advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP).
The Police Legal Officer attached to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Eleweran, Abeokuta, A. S. Abiodun, told the court that the application, dated July 6, sought an order to remand the suspects while investigations and legal processes continue.
He explained that the application was filed pursuant to Section 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Ogun State, 2017, and under the inherent jurisdiction of the court.
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According to the prosecution, the application was supported by a 24-paragraph affidavit deposed to by ASP Saka of the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The prosecution also informed the court that 17 documentary exhibits, along with a written address, were attached in support of the application.
Abiodun urged the court to grant the request in the interest of justice, pending the issuance of legal advice by the Director of Public Prosecutions and the eventual arraignment of the suspects before a court of competent jurisdiction.
In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Odubanjo granted the application as requested by the Police and ordered the suspects to remain in custody for an initial period of 60 days.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths of the retired broadcaster and her security guard is expected to continue while prosecutors prepare the case for trial.
