Justice Olugboyega Ogunfowora of the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has sentenced Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi to death by hanging, while Lukmon Abdulgafar has been handed a life sentence for their involvement in the brutal murder of 16-year-old Sofia Okeowo.
The ruling was delivered on Friday, and the verdict was confirmed in an official statement by the Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade.
According to the details presented in court, the tragic incident occurred on January 28, 2022, in the Kugba area of Abeokuta. Sofia had visited her boyfriend, Mustakeem, who allegedly had sexual relations with her before violently attacking and strangling her with the help of Soliudeen. The two then beheaded her.
Further testimony revealed that parts of Sofia’s body, including her thighs, were mutilated, and her headless corpse was stuffed into a sack. The severed head was taken to Lukmon Abdulgafar’s residence, where it was placed in a local burner and set on fire.
A video that went viral at the time showed the suspects being apprehended by local vigilantes while burning Sofia’s head. The footage also captured them chanting incantations over her remains.
Ogungbade, in his statement, said: “On July 11, 2025, justice was finally served in the case of the murder of Sofia Okeowo. The court found Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi guilty and sentenced them to death by hanging. Lukmon Abdulgafar, who was also found culpable, received a life sentence.”
He emphasized that the state government remains firm in its commitment to uphold justice and prevent crime. He added that this judgment would serve as a clear warning to those who engage in ritual killings or similar criminal acts.
