NIGERIA: Kogi Police Launch Investigation Into Death of Catholic Priest

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria

The Kogi State Police Command has commenced a full-scale investigation into the death of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, whose lifeless body was discovered on Wednesday, July 29, 2026, in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

In a statement issued by the Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Saliu Oyiza Afusat, the command said police operatives responded promptly after receiving a report of the incident.

According to the statement, the victim’s body was recovered from the scene and evacuated to a medical facility, where “a medical doctor confirmed the victim dead, after which the body was deposited at the mortuary for preservation and autopsy.”

The command said the deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area.

Following the circumstances surrounding the incident, the Commissioner of Police, Naziru Bello Kankarofi, directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for further investigation.

The statement said the investigation is aimed at “establishing the circumstances surrounding the death, identifying all persons connected with the incident, and ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.”

The police appealed to residents to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could interfere with the investigation.

The command urged members of the public to “remain calm, law-abiding, and to refrain from speculating or circulating unverified information capable of undermining or prejudicing the ongoing investigation.”

Reaffirming its commitment to the case, the police said investigators were pursuing all available leads and promised to keep the public informed of developments.

The statement added that the Kogi State Police Command “remains fully committed to uncovering the truth behind the incident,” noting that “investigators are actively pursuing all available leads, and the Command will continue to provide updates.”

The command also assured the family of the deceased, the Catholic faithful and the general public that “no effort will be spared in ensuring that justice is served.”