An Ogun State High Court sitting in Abeokuta, Southwest Nigeria, has sentenced three men to death by hanging for the brutal murder of a couple, Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye, and their son, Oreoluwa, on New Year’s Day two years ago.
The convicts, Adekanbi Lekan, the couple’s driver; Odetola Ahmed; and Adeniyi Waheed, were found guilty of conspiracy to commit armed robbery, murder, and arson.
Justice Basirat Adebowale, delivering her judgment after a three-hour session on Monday, described the crime as “gruesome” and stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
She ruled that the convicts did not deserve mercy and sentenced them to death by hanging or lethal injection.
Additionally, they were handed life imprisonment with hard labor and prison terms ranging up to 14 years for other charges.
“The sentence of this court on Adekanbi Lekan in respect of count II is that he be hanged by the neck until you are dead or by lethal injection,” Justice Adebowale declared. “May God have mercy on your soul.”
The court also convicted Lekan’s wife, Fadairo Temitope, sentencing her to four years in prison for aiding the crime. Lekan’s mother, Adekanbi Adenike, received a one-year jail term for her involvement.
The Tragic Incident
The horrific crime occurred on January 1, 2023, after the Fatinoye family returned home from a crossover service at Christ Anglican Church, Iporo-Ake, Abeokuta.
The assailants ambushed the family, murdering Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye and setting their corpses on fire.
Their son, Oreoluwa, and an adopted son, Olorunyomi Felix, were tied up and thrown into the Ogun River.
While Felix miraculously survived, Oreoluwa tragically drowned.
