An Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo has sentenced three men to death by hanging after convicting them of murder and unlawful possession of human parts.
The convicts, identified as Muideen Tunji, Yusuf Musulimi, and Rabiu Fatai, were found guilty on a three-count charge of conspiracy, murder, and illegal possession of human remains.
Justice Fatimah Sodamade, in her ruling on Thursday, stated that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt. She emphasized that the judgment should serve as a deterrent to others involved in similar crimes.
According to the prosecution, led by Mr. Dele Akintayo from the Ministry of Justice, the offense took place on January 31, 2022, in Ile-Ogbo, Osun State. The court heard that one of the convicts lured the victim, Asiata Yekeen, to his home under the pretense of repaying a debt. Upon her arrival, the other two joined in, and she was killed.
After family members and Amotekun Corps operatives failed to locate Yekeen, an eyewitness who saw her enter the convicts' home alerted the police. The three suspects initially fled but were later tracked down and arrested by a police intelligence team.
Defense lawyers J. Olaniyan, Adesina Olaniyan, and Bayo Alade argued that the evidence against their clients was hearsay and urged the court to dismiss the charges. However, Justice Sodamade dismissed their submissions and upheld the death sentence.
The offenses were prosecuted under Sections 324, 319(a), and 329A(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun, 2002.
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