In a dramatic turn of events, a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has sentenced three artisans to death by hanging for the brutal murder of their fellow mechanic, Saheed Lawal, in Offa Local Government Area. The three convicts, Isiaka Jimoh, Lekan Ahmed, and Adebayo Saheed, were found guilty of torturing Lawal to death over unfounded allegations of motor oil theft.
The prosecution, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Ayoola Akande, presented a chilling case, detailing how the men conspired to kill Lawal on November 5, 2020, at a mechanic workshop near Government Day Secondary School in Amuyo, Offa. In a horrifying twist, the convicts also attempted to murder another artisan, Hamzat Ibrahim, by pouring hot red pepper into his ears during the same incident.
After hearing testimonies from eight witnesses, including Dr. O. M. Abdulsalam, the Chief Medical Director of State General Hospital, Offa, who confirmed that Lawal was dead on arrival at the hospital, Justice Adebayo Yusuf delivered the verdict on Thursday. The judge ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The three defendants are responsible for the death of Saheed Lawal, and they must face the consequences,” Justice Yusuf declared before sentencing them to death by hanging. “May God have mercy on their souls.”
This shocking verdict serves as a stark reminder of the severity of crimes fueled by violence and mob justice, and highlights the state’s commitment to upholding the law.
