The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspects following the discovery of the lifeless body of Elder Omotayo Fajana, a 71-year-old senior member of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, in a hotel room in Akungba-Akoko, Akoko South-West Local Government Area. The three individuals are currently assisting investigators as the police probe the circumstances surrounding the cleric's death.
Incident Reported by Nephew
The incident was formally reported at the Akungba Division on Saturday by Mr Olaseni Sunday Olaoluwa of Shijuwade Road, Akure, who identified himself as the deceased's nephew. Olaoluwa stated that Fajana had traveled to Akungba-Akoko to be installed as the Head Baba Aladura (Head Prayer Warrior Father) of a faction of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church at Ogo Orimolade C&S Church, Okerigbo. The installation ceremony was scheduled as part of a church programme.
Police Confirmation and Investigation
Confirming the development on Monday, the Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said detectives have commenced efforts to establish the actual cause of death and determine whether any criminal acts were involved. “The command has commenced a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of a 71-year-old church leader, Mr Omotayo Ezekiel Fajana, whose body was discovered under suspicious circumstances in Akungba-Akoko,” Jimoh stated.
Jimoh added that the three suspects now in custody include church officials and hotel workers who allegedly moved the cleric’s remains to a mortuary in Ikare-Akoko without first obtaining certification of death from a qualified medical practitioner. That action has become a key focus of the ongoing investigation, as it raises questions about the handling of the body and potential attempts to conceal evidence.
Commissioner Orders Comprehensive Probe
The state Commissioner of Police, Felix Ohagwu, has ordered a comprehensive and discreet investigation into the incident. DSP Jimoh noted that the commissioner assured members of the public that the command would leave no stone unturned in uncovering the facts surrounding the incident and that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law. The police have urged members of the public to remain calm and allow investigators to carry out a thorough probe into the circumstances surrounding Fajana’s death.
This case has drawn attention due to the suspicious removal of the body without proper medical certification, which could indicate foul play. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates are expected as detectives gather more evidence.
