Oyo Court Sentences Five Men to Death for Murder of Ibadan Taxi Driver
The Oyo State High Court sitting in Ibadan has sentenced five men to death by hanging for their roles in the brutal killing of a taxi driver, Akeem Shittu. The judgment, delivered on Monday by Justice Oyeyemi Ajayi, followed a detailed examination of the events that led to the tragic incident.
Akahi News gathered that the convicts — Segun Taiwo (36), Kehinde Ademola (46), Yahaya Adeniyi (45), Chinonso Samson (41), and Opadotun Michael (32) — were found guilty of conspiracy and murder, offences that contravene Sections 316, 319, and 324 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Court Finds Strong Evidence of Joint Participation
Justice Ajayi ruled that the prosecution had successfully established a clear case of joint involvement in Shittu’s murder.
According to her:
“I am of the considered view that this court can safely infer conspiracy in the events that led to the death of Akeem Shittu.”
She further stated that the circumstantial evidence presented in court proved coordinated action among the defendants.
Consequently, each man was sentenced to 20 years imprisonment for conspiracy to commit murder, in addition to a death sentence by hanging for the murder itself.
How a Minor Road Collision Escalated Into Murder
Prosecution counsel K. K. Oloso told the court that the crime occurred on April 10, 2024, at about 8:30 p.m. at Elepe, Arulogun Road, Ojoo, Ibadan.
Akahi News learnt that the incident began when the deceased, Akeem Shittu, reportedly collided with a motorcycle carrying two riders.
A dispute ensued, which later continued at a nearby pub.
Witnesses said Shittu was asked to pay ₦50,000 for medical treatment but could only offer ₦8,000, a disagreement that led to his detention.
He was allegedly stripped naked during the confrontation.
Attempt to Escape Ends in Brutal Killing
Shittu reportedly managed to flee the scene but was later chased down by the defendants.
He was overpowered and hacked to death with a machete.
His taxi was eventually discovered parked in front of one of the defendant’s wife’s shops — a detail the court considered significant in linking the men to the crime.
Justice Served as Court Delivers Final Verdict
The ruling has been widely received as a strong message against mob violence and extrajudicial killings in Oyo State.
Legal observers told Akahi News that the judgment reinforces the seriousness with which the judiciary views coordinated attacks that result in loss of life.
The families of the deceased have expressed relief as the case reaches its conclusion.
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By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Joseph Iyaji is a journalist, educator, and founder of Akahi G. International, Akahi Tutors, and Akahi News. Read more about him here.
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