The Oyo State Police Command has apprehended a 37-year-old man, Basiru Rasheed Orelope, in connection with the death of a 35-year-old woman, Rukayat Rafiu. The incident came to light after Orelope brought Rafiu's lifeless body to her family home in Ibadan.
Police Statement on the Incident
The command's spokesperson, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, revealed the details in a statement released on Saturday, May 2, 2026. The case was reported by Ademola Rasheed Adebayo and Taoreed Olayiwola after Orelope arrived at the family residence with the deceased.
Preliminary investigations showed no visible signs of violence on the deceased's body. During interrogation, Orelope claimed that Rafiu was a customer who purchased KEDI supplement products from him. He stated that they both traveled to Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, where he lodged her in his rented apartment. According to the suspect, he later discovered that the woman was gasping for breath while holding an inhaler.
Details of the Investigation
The police statement read: "The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigation into a case of suspected murder following the arrest of a 37-year-old man, one Basiru Rasheed Orelope, in connection with the death of a 35-year-old woman, Rukayat Rafiu."
"The case was reported by Ademola Rasheed Adebayo (50), alongside Taoreed Olayiwola. The complainant stated that the suspect brought the lifeless body of the deceased to his residence under circumstances considered suspicious."
"Preliminary findings revealed that there were no visible marks of violence on the deceased's body. The body has been forensically examined."
"During interrogation, the suspect stated that the deceased was his customer who purchased KEDI supplement products from him. He further explained that both of them had traveled to Ago-Iwoye in Ogun State, where he lodged her in his rented apartment. According to him, he later discovered that the woman was gasping for breath while holding an inhaler. He reportedly rushed her for medical attention, where she was confirmed dead. The suspect subsequently conveyed the corpse to the deceased's family residence in Ibadan, a development which raised suspicion and prompted the report to the Police."
Next Steps in the Case
The corpse has been deposited at a morgue along Akala Express Road, Ibadan, for preservation and autopsy, while photographs have been taken. The suspect is currently in police custody, and a thorough investigation has commenced to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Abimbola Ayodeji Olugbenga, psc, mnips, has directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for discreet and thorough investigation. The command reassures the public that no stone will be left unturned in unraveling the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Residents are urged to remain calm, law-abiding, and to cooperate with the police by providing credible information that may assist in the ongoing investigation.
