Justice Served: Death Sentences for Fatinoye Murders in Ogun State
On February 3, 2025, three men were sentenced to death for the 2022 murders of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye in Ogun State. The court ruling followed a detailed judgment regarding various charges, including murder and robbery. Family members expressed relief, noting that justice was served after a two-year wait. The Ogun State Attorney General has indicated an intent to implement death penalties more actively to curb serious crimes.
On February 3, 2025, Justice Basirat Adebowale of the Ogun State High Court sentenced Adekanbi Lekan, Odetola Ahmed, and Adeniyi Waheed to death by hanging for the brutal murders of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye, along with their son Oreoluwa. The court’s ruling followed a detailed judgment that extended over three hours, addressing various convictions against the defendants, including murder and armed robbery.
The tragic events began shortly after the Fatinoyes returned from a crossover service on New Year’s Eve 2022. They were followed home by their driver, Lekan, and an accomplice, who committed robbery and violence, culminating in the setting ablaze of their residence around 1:30 a.m. The couple’s 26-year-old son, Oreoluwa, was also abused and subsequently perished after being thrown into a river.
Two years later, justice was clearly served as the Fatinoyes’ murderers were held accountable. In addition to the aforementioned trio, multiple others were charged alongside them for crimes such as robbery and conspiracy. Notably, some defendants received various sentences, including four years for Lekan’s wife and a year for his mother.
Following the verdict, Zacceaus Fatinoye expressed his family’s mixed emotions of relief and sorrow, acknowledging that although the sentence wouldn’t bring his brother back, the family felt a sense of closure. Olufemi Oladipo, a church member, highlighted the late Kehinde’s devout life, expressing gratitude for the justice served in the ruling.
The defense attorney for several defendants indicated an intention to discuss appealing the judgment with their clients. He emphasized the possibility of exploring further legal avenues, depending on client consultation, particularly regarding the defendants sentenced to death.
Defending one of the acquitted individuals, lawyer Dr. Kayode Akinsola praised the judgment as a solidified message against crime, asserting the necessity for punishment and implying that the case might deter future offenders. The Ogun State Attorney General, Mr. Oluwasina Ogungbade, expressed determination to enforce the law more rigorously, emphasizing the need for immediate actions against rising crime rates in the state, including ritual killings and kidnapping.
The judgment against the individuals convicted of murdering Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye signifies a critical moment of justice in a case that has lingered for two years. The relatives and community members expressed relief at the outcome, appreciating the court’s firm stance against violent crime. Moving forward, the Ogun State government aims to assert stronger measures against crime by endorsing death sentences for serious offenses as a deterrent.
Original Source: dailypost.ng
