Court Sentences Houseboy to Death for Killing Employer in Ondo
A High Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has sentenced a 21-year-old houseboy, Emmanuel Akpan, to death by hanging for the murder of his employer, Febisola Caroline Adedayo.
Delivering judgment, the presiding judge held that the prosecution successfully proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, establishing the defendant’s direct involvement in the gruesome act.
The incident occurred on March 29, 2021, at Ifakanbale Street in the Sabo area of Ondo town, where the victim, a food vendor, was attacked in her residence. The court heard that the convict inflicted fatal machete wounds on the deceased, leading to her death.
Further evidence presented during the trial revealed that the crime was premeditated, as the assailant targeted the victim after discovering she had money at home. Following the attack, valuables including ATM cards, mobile phones, and a generator were reportedly taken, while the house was set ablaze in an attempt to cover up the crime.
The court also considered confessional statements and witness testimonies, which were found to be consistent and credible. The defence’s arguments were dismissed for lacking merit and failing to counter the weight of evidence presented.
A co-defendant in the case was, however, discharged and acquitted due to insufficient evidence linking him to the crime.
Describing the act as cruel and inhuman, the court noted the betrayal of trust involved, particularly as the victim had shown kindness to the convict. The judge subsequently handed down the death sentence by hanging.
COMMENTS