A High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced 21-year-old Emmanuel Akpan to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his employer, Mrs. Febisola Adedayo, a food vendor, at her residence in Ifankanbale Street, Sabo, Ondo town, headquarters of Ondo West Local Government Area.
Delivering judgment on Wednesday in Charge No: AK/57C/2022, Justice Rotimi Olamide ruled that the prosecution had proved Akpan’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt on counts of conspiracy to commit murder and murder, under Sections 324, 316, and 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The court heard that on March 29, 2021, Akpan, alongside a co-defendant, Goodness James Akpe, allegedly attacked Adedayo with machetes, inflicting fatal injuries to her neck.
Investigations revealed that the suspects killed their employer to steal valuables, including ATM cards, phones, and a generator, before attempting to set her house on fire to destroy evidence.
Justice Olamide described the act as cruel and inhuman, noting that the deceased had previously assisted the defendants.
The judge also emphasized that the confessional statements of the accused, combined with credible witness testimonies, left no doubt about Akpan’s involvement.
While Akpan was found guilty and sentenced to death, the court discharged and acquitted Akpe for lack of sufficient evidence linking him directly to the crime.
“The sentence of the court upon you, Emmanuel Akpan, is that you be hanged by the neck until you are dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul,” the judge declared.
The ruling has drawn widespread attention in Ondo State, highlighting ongoing concerns over domestic security and the rising incidents of violent crime.
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