The decomposed remains of a 45-year-old pastor, Esere Okilo, were discovered in his apartment on Jacob Beredugo Street, Ekeki, Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, 15 months after he was reported missing.
The shocking discovery was made on Wednesday by Okilo’s sister, who visited the residence due to accommodation issues. She reportedly peered through a window and saw the pastor’s skeleton sitting on the toilet, wearing only a singlet.
Henzodaily reports that the revelation has left neighbours in confusion, as many claimed they never noticed any foul odour coming from the apartment during the entire period.
Groups of residents gathered on Thursday to discuss the incident, describing Okilo as a devout man of God who kept largely to himself.
Okilo lived in one of the two flats in the compound, while his elder brother and the brother’s wife occupied the other. Neighbours disclosed that the siblings were not on speaking terms.
The discovery of Okilo’s remains inside the locked toilet has deepened the mystery surrounding his death. Neighbours revealed that the door was locked from the inside, suggesting no external interference.
Although the pastor’s family had earlier expressed concerns about his whereabouts, some believed he had embarked on one of his regular church pilgrimages.
Operatives from the Ekeki Police Division who evacuated the remains reportedly arrested Okilo’s elder brother on suspicion of covering up the death.
A police source disclosed that medical workers at the Federal Medical Centre in Yenagoa suspected the use of formalin on the corpse to suppress any foul smell emanating from the apartment.
“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,” the source told Punch.