Mystery Surrounds Death of Catholic Priest in Kogi as Police Launch Full Probe

LOKOJA, NIGERIA — The Kogi State Police Command has launched a comprehensive investigation into the mysterious death of a Catholic priest, Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, whose lifeless body was discovered in the Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

The body of the cleric was found on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, triggering widespread shock and mourning across the state’s Christian community.

Police Recover Body, Await Autopsy

According to an official statement released by the Kogi State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, police operatives mobilized to the scene immediately after receiving a distress report.

The medical team at a nearby hospital officially certified the priest dead upon arrival. His body has since been deposited at the mortuary for preservation and an autopsy to determine the exact cause of death.

The deceased was later identified as the parish priest of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, located in the Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi State.

Case Transferred to State CID

Spurred by the suspicious circumstances surrounding the incident, the Kogi State Commissioner of Police, CP Naziru Bello Kankarofi, has ordered the immediate transfer of the case to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Lokoja.

CP Kankarofi mandated the specialized SCID team to conduct a thorough and discreet investigation.

Their immediate tasks include:

• Unraveling the exact circumstances leading to the priest’s death.
• ⁠Identifying and apprehending all individuals connected to the incident.
• ⁠Ensuring that any culpable parties face the full wrath of the law.

Police Appeal for Calm

The Kogi State Police Command has urged the public to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information or speculative rumors that could jeopardize the ongoing investigation.

Reassuring the bereaved family, the Catholic faithful, and the general public, the Command emphasized that no stone would be left unturned in the pursuit of justice. Authorities have promised to share regular updates as investigators follow up on critical leads.