An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced a 21-year-old domestic worker, Emmanuel Akpan, to death for the killing of his employer, Mrs. Febisola Caroline Adedayo.
Akpan was convicted for attacking the victim with a machete, causing fatal injuries at her residence in Ondo town. He was arrested on March 29, 2021, along with another suspect at Ifakanbale Street in the Sabo area.
Investigations by the police revealed that the crime was allegedly carried out with the intention of stealing valuables, including ATM cards, mobile phones, and a generator. The suspects were also said to have attempted to set the house on fire in a bid to conceal evidence.
The case, initiated by the Ondo State Attorney-General, included charges of conspiracy to commit murder and murder under the state’s Criminal Code.
In delivering judgment, Justice Rotimi Olamide stated that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court relied on the defendant’s confession as well as testimonies presented during the trial.
The judge described the act as brutal and inhumane, noting that the victim had previously shown kindness to the convict.
While the second accused, Goodness James Akpe, was cleared of all charges due to lack of sufficient evidence, Akpan was found guilty and sentenced accordingly.
The court ruled that he should be executed by hanging.
