Court sentences Kwara man, 2 accomplices for killing, dismembering neighbour after collecting ransom
Court sentences Kwara man, 2 accomplices for killing, dismembering neighbour after collecting ransom
Kwara State High Court has passed down sentences to three individuals involved in the murder and dismemberment of their neighbor. Kazeem Mohammed, who orchestrated the horrifying act just days before his own wedding, was handed a death sentence by hanging. Meanwhile, his accomplices Madu Jeremiah and Mohammed Chatta received prison sentences of 10 years each.
The court found the defendants guilty of multiple charges, including criminal conspiracy, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, illegal removal of human parts, and kidnapping. Their victim, Olokose Ojo Olushola, a dedicated staff member of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) Unit at the University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital (UITH), was brutally killed. The police discovered the victim’s remains, missing certain body parts, packed in a sack and deposited at the UITH mortuary.
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During their heinous acts, the perpetrators stole the victim’s ATM card and withdrew a substantial sum of N1.2 million from his bank account. Additionally, they demanded a ransom of N12 million from the victim’s family before ultimately being apprehended.
The presiding judge, Justice Suleiman Akanbi, condemned the defendants for their atrocious deeds. He noted that not only did they take the life of the victim but also callously demanded ransom, deceiving the family into believing their loved one was still alive and held captive by kidnappers.
The prosecution, led by the Attorney General of Kwara State, Senior Ibrahim Sulyman, presented compelling evidence during the trial, including testimony from nine witnesses and various exhibits. Kazeem Mohammed was represented by A. O. Salaudeen from the Legal Aid Council, while legal counsel Moses Jiya Dangana, Rasaq Ayodeji Saka, and Dr. Ahmed Isau defended the second and third defendants.
The verdict delivered significant sentences for the defendants. Kazeem Mohammed, identified as the mastermind behind the murder, was sentenced to death by hanging.
Furthermore, he received an additional 20 years in prison, to be served concurrently with a N200,000 fine for other charges, as well as a life imprisonment term for the kidnapping offense.Madu Jeremiah and Mohammed Chatta, the second and third defendants, were both sentenced to 10 years in prison, accompanied by a N100,000 financial penalty.