Court sentences killers of Fasoranti’s daughter to death by hanging
A High Court in Ondo State has sentenced three out of four suspected murderers of Mrs Funke Olakunrin, to death by hanging.
Mrs Funke Olakunrin was the 58-year-old daughter of the national leader of the Pan Yoruba Socio-Political group, Pa Fasoranti.
In 2019, the attorney general of Ondo State arraigned Mohammed Usman, Osagie Lawal and Adamu Adamu for the murder of Olakunrin.
They have been charged with four counts which include murder, felony to wit murder, kidnapping.
While delivering judgment, Justice William Olamide, decided to discharge and acquit the fourth defendant, Abubakar, who was charged with aiding and abetting the crime.
The judge has made his judgment after listening to the both sides and adopted the final written addresses.
Mr Charles Titiloye stood for the prosecution while Mr Obafemi Bawa stood in for the defence.
Report has it that they were first arraigned in an Akure Magistrates’ Court, which ordered their remand in Owo Correctional Centre.
It was reported that the convict then had no representation in court but pleaded not guilty to all the charge.
The Ondo State Attorney-General, Kola Olawoye, who represented the state, declared that the state government was ready to take over the case.
He urged the court to rely on the statement deposed by an official of FSARs, Akeem Ogunjobi, who prayed that the suspects should be remanded at the Correctional Centre in Owo because Akure Correctional facility was over stretched.
He also pleaded with the court to allow the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to conduct COVID-19 test on the defendants before moving them to the Correctional Centre.
According to him, the test was necessary because of the coronavirus pandemic ravaging the globe.
He said the health status of the four accused persons must be ascertained in order not to infect other inmates at the facility.
Magistrate Victoria Bob-Manuel, in her ruling, granted the prayers of the prosecuting counsel and remanded the accused at Owo Correctional facility. She also ordered that their samples must be tested before being remanded at the centre.
Bob-Manuel, however, disclosed that the court lacks the jurisdiction to try the defendants but adjourned the case to June 3, for the advice of the Director of Public Prosecution. (NAN)
[Daily Trust]