Adebayo Adenrele
An Ekiti State High Court sitting in Ado Ekiti has sentenced a 42 year old man to death by hanging for killing his half brother.
The defendant, Arowolo Sunday was arraigned before Justice Adeniyi Familoni on 5th November, 2021 on one count charge of murder.
The charge reads that the defendant on 9th of April, 2021 at Ikogosi within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did murder one Arowolo Dare.
According to the charge, the offence contravenes section 391 (1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
In his statement to the Police, 15 year old son of the deceased said, “I went to farm with my father, on our way back, I was trecking infront of my father’s motorcycle to avoid bad portion of the road, I waited for my father to climb the motorcycle, suddenly, my father’s brother Mr. Arowolo Sunday suddenly appeared from the bush with already set big iron trap, he trapped my father on his arm and fell, he used small wooden pestle to hit my father on his head and chest, he left him in the pool of his blood, I tried to release the trap but it was too strong for me, Sunday Arowolo reappeared with a stick to hit me, he was chasing me but he fell, I ran to the nearby villagers for help, they told me, they caanot dare ‘’Sunday’’ I went to town to inform our families, they came with a motorcycle and taken him to the hospital where he later died.” he concluded.
To proof his case, the prosecutor, Oluwaseun Olasanmi called seven witnesses and tendered defendant’s statement, pictures of the deceased, death report among others as exhibits.
The convict spoke in his own defence through his counsel and called two witnesses.
In his judgment, Justice Adeniyi Familoni said, “Upon the totality of the evidence adduced by the prosecutor, I am satisfied that the prosecution has satisfactorily proved the ingredients of the alleged offence of murder of Arowolo Dare against the defendant beyond reasonable doubt.
“Consequently, the defendant, Arowolo Sunday is hereby found guilty and convicted of the offence of murder of Arowolo Dare on the 9th April, 2021.
“The sentence of this court upon him is that he be hanged by the neck till he be dead and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.”