Pastor’s skeleton found in Yenagoa apartment 15 months after disappearance

The decomposed remains of a 45-year-old pastor, Esere Okilo, were discovered in his apartment in Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, 15 months after he was reported missing.

The shocking discovery was made on Wednesday by Okilo’s sister, who visited his apartment due to accommodation issues. While peering through a window, she saw her brother’s skeleton sitting on the toilet, dressed only in a singlet.

Neighbours were left stunned by the revelation, as many claimed they had not noticed any foul smell emanating from the apartment during the entire period.

The discovery has sparked confusion and discussions among residents, many of whom described Okilo as a devout, private man who kept largely to himself. Okilo lived in one flat of the compound, while his elder brother and his wife occupied the other. Neighbours revealed that the siblings were not on speaking terms, adding to the mystery.

The pastor’s remains were found locked in the toilet, with the door secured from the inside, suggesting no external interference. While Okilo’s family had previously raised concerns about his disappearance, some neighbours speculated that he had gone on one of his regular church pilgrimages.

Ekeki Police Division officials who evacuated the remains arrested Okilo’s elder brother on suspicion of covering up the death. Sources indicated that medical personnel at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa suspected that a substance like formalin had been used to suppress any foul odor coming from the body.

A police source revealed, “Medical staff at the Federal Medical Centre said there are signs that a substance like formalin was sprinkled on the corpse to stop the smell.”