3 In Police Net As Cleric Dies In Ondo Hotel

The Ondo State Police Command has arrested three suspects in connection with the death of a 71-year-old cleric of the Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Elder Omotayo Fajana.

The cleric was said to have died under mysterious circumstances in a hotel room in Akungba-Akoko, in the Akoko South-West local government area.

It was gathered that Fajana travelled to the community for a church programme, during which he was scheduled to be installed as the Head Prayer Warrior Father (Baba Aladura) of Ogo Orimolade C&S Church, Okerigbo, Akungba-Akoko.

The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked suspicion following allegations that his body was moved from the hotel to a mortuary in Ikare-Akoko without medical certification by a qualified doctor.

The incident was reported to the Akungba Police Division by the deceased’s nephew, Mr Olaseni Sunday Olaoluwa, who demanded an investigation.

Confirming the development on Monday, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP Abayomi Jimoh, said the command had launched a thorough investigation to ascertain the cause of death.

“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.

‎According to him, three suspects have been arrested and are currently assisting detectives with investigations.

‎He added that preliminary findings revealed that some church officials and hotel personnel allegedly moved the body to a mortuary without first obtaining a medical certification of death.

‎Jimoh said detectives were working to establish the actual cause of death and determine whether any criminal act was involved.

The spokesperson added that the Commissioner of Police, Ondo State Command, Felix Ohagwu, had ordered a comprehensive and discreet investigation, assuring that anyone found culpable would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.