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An Abeokuta High Court sitting in Kobape has sentenced three men to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Kehinde Fatinoye, his wife Bukola, and their son Oreoluwa on January 1, 2023.
The convicts—Lekan Adekanbi, a former driver to the Fatinoye family, Ahmed Odetola, and Waheed Adeniyi—were found guilty of nine charges, including armed robbery, murder, arson, and conspiracy.
According to the prosecution, led by Adefisoye Temilola, the horrific incident occurred at Karounwi Street, Ibara Housing Estate, Abeokuta.
Adekanbi conspired with Odetola and Adeniyi to rob the family. Armed with a gun, hammer, and cutlass, they robbed Kehinde Fatinoye of N1.102 million and a Hyundai vehicle valued at N12 million. They also stole Bukola’s phones, worth N1 million.
The court heard that Adekanbi used a sledgehammer to strike Bukola on the head before slashing her neck. Adeniyi slaughtered Kehinde with a knife.
The trio then set the house ablaze and abducted the couple’s only son, Oreoluwa. His hands and legs were tied before he was thrown into the Ogun River, where he drowned.
The defendants were arraigned on a 24-count charge, which included conspiracy to commit armed robbery, murder, arson, and other related offences.
Although they initially pleaded not guilty, Justice Basirat Adebowale ruled that the prosecution provided overwhelming evidence proving their guilt beyond reasonable doubt.
In her judgment, Justice Adebowale stated, “You, Adekanbi, Odetola, and Adeniyi, for killing father, mother, and son; you don’t deserve mercy.” She sentenced the trio to death by hanging.
Other individuals linked to the case also faced varying penalties. Temitope Fadairo, Adekanbi’s wife, was sentenced to two years imprisonment for perverting the course of justice by hiding her husband. Adenike Adekanbi, Adekanbi’s mother, received one year imprisonment for providing false statements to the police.
Azeez Usman, a welder, was sentenced to 14 years imprisonment for receiving stolen property, two years as an accessory to armed robbery, and seven years for compounding felonies. His sentences will run concurrently with hard labor.
Anuoluwapo Owolaja was sentenced to two years imprisonment as an accessory after the fact of murder, while Abass Odetola and Lukmon Adewusi were discharged and acquitted of all charges.
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