An Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan, the state capital, on Monday, sentenced five men to death after finding them guilty of the murder of a taxi driver during a dispute in 2024.
Justice Oyeyemi Ajayi ruled that Segun Taiwo (36), Kehinde Ademola (46), Yahaya Adeniyi (45), Chinonso Samson (41) and Opadotun Michael (32) were jointly liable for the conspiracy and killing of Akeem Shittu.
“I am of the considered view that the court could safely infer conspiracy in the acts that led to the death of Shittu,” the judge said.
The court first imposed a 20-year prison term on each of the defendants for conspiracy before issuing the death sentence for the murder charge.
“On count two, each of the defendants is sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Ajayi ruled.
Earlier, State Counsel, K. K., Oloso recounted how a minor road incident escalated into a fatal confrontation.
She told the court that on April 10, 2024, at Elepe, Arulogun Road in the Ojoo area of Ibadan, the defendants and others at large attacked Shittu after his vehicle made contact with a motorcycle carrying two passengers.
The parties reportedly moved to a nearby pub to discuss the matter.
A disagreement over compensation ensued, after which Shittu was restrained and prevented from leaving.
He later attempted to escape but was eventually overpowered and fatally assaulted.
Investigators subsequently traced his taxi and personal items to a shop belonging to one of the convicts’ family members.
The prosecution stated that the offences contravened Sections 316, 319 and 324 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000, which prescribe penalties for murder and conspiracy.
In 2024, an Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo, sentenced Wasiu Afolayan (36) and Kola Adeyemi (34), to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.
The defendants had been arraigned on four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery and unlawful possession of arms.
The offences were contrary to and punishable under Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (special provisions) Act, Cap R.11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.