An Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, the state capital, sentenced five men to death on Monday after they were found guilty of murdering a cab driver after a quarrel in 2024.
Justice Oyeyemi Ajayi found that Segun Taiwo (36), Kehinde Ademola (46), Yahaya Adeniyi (45), Chinonso Samson (41) and Opadotun Michael (32) were all jointly liable for the conspiracy and murder 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 tribunal’s judge stated.
Before imposing the death penalty for murder, the court sentenced each defendant to 20 years in prison for conspiracy.
“On count two, each of the defendants is sentenced to death by hanging,” Justice Ajayi ruled.
Earlier, State Counsel K. K. Oloso described how a small road encounter turned into a tragic confrontation.
She informed the court that on April 10, 2024, the defendants and others at large attacked Shittu on Elepe, Arulogun Road, in Ibadan’s Ojoo area after his vehicle collided with a motorcycle carrying two passengers.
The parties apparently went to a neighboring tavern to discuss the situation.
A quarrel over compensation erupted, and Shittu was detained and prevented from leaving.
He later attempted to flee but was eventually overpowered and fatally attacked.
Investigators tracked his taxi and personal belongings to a shop owned by one of the suspects’ family members.
The prosecution claimed that the offenses violated Sections 316, 319, and 324 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000, which specify punishments for murder and conspiracy.
In 2024, an Osun State High Court in Osogbo condemned Wasiu Afolayan (36) and Kola Adeyemi (34) to death by hanging for conspiracy and armed robbery.
The suspects were charged with four counts of conspiracy, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of arms.
The offenses were against and punishable by Section 3(1) of the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, Cap R.11, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.
