Police arrest man over death of 35-year-old woman in Oyo

Monday, May 4, 2026 - The Oyo State Police Command has arrested a 37-year-old man, Basiru Rasheed Orelope, in connection with the d3ath of a woman, Rukayat Rafiu, 35. 

The spokesperson for the command, DSP Ayanlade Olayinka, who disclosed this in a statement on Saturday, May 2, 2026, said that the case was reported by one Ademola Rasheed Adebayo and Taoreed Olayiwola after Orelope brought Rafiu’s lifeless body to her family residence in Ibadan. 

According to the PPRO, preliminary findings showed no visible marks of violence on the deceased.

The suspect told police that Rafiu was his customer who bought KEDI supplement products from him.

He said both travelled to Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, where he lodged her in his rented apartment.

The suspect claimed he discovered that the woman was gasping for breath while holding an inhaler. 

"The Oyo State Police Command has commenced investigation into a case of suspected m8rder following the arrest of a 37-year-old man, one Basiru Rasheed Orelope, in connection with the d3ath of a 35-year-old woman, Rukayat Rafiu,” the statement read.

"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 travelled 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 d3ad.

 "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.

"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 d3ath.

"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 wishes to reassure members of 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.”