Court Sentences Three to Death by Hanging for Murder of Ogun Couple and Son

        On Monday, the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta sentenced three individuals to death by hanging for the brutal murders of Kehinde Fatinoye, a former Central Bank of Nigeria employee, his wife Bukola, and their son, Oreoluwa, on January 1, 2023. The convicted persons are Lekan Adekanbi, the family’s driver; Odetola Ahmed; and Adeniyi Waheed.

Background of the Case

The tragic incident occurred shortly after the Fatinoye family returned from a New Year crossover church service. Assailants attacked the couple in their residence in the Ibara area of Abeokuta, setting the house ablaze and abducting their son, Oreoluwa, and the housemaid. The charred remains of Kehinde and Bukola were discovered in their home, while Oreoluwa’s body was later found in the Ogun River, with his hands bound, indicating he had been thrown into the river alive.

Slain couple and son

Investigation and Arrests

Lekan Adekanbi, the family’s driver, was identified as the mastermind behind the heinous act. He confessed that his motive stemmed from the couple’s refusal to grant his request for a salary increase and a loan to purchase a motorcycle. Feeling aggrieved, Adekanbi collaborated with two cultists, Waheed Adeniyi (alias Koffi) and Ahmed Odetola (alias Akamo), to carry out the murders. After forcing Kehinde to transfer ₦1,102,000 to Adekanbi’s bank account at gunpoint, they killed the couple to prevent identification. Adeniyi used a knife from the kitchen to slaughter Kehinde, while Adekanbi struck Bukola with a sledgehammer, leading to her immediate death.

Following the murders, the assailants abducted Oreoluwa and the housemaid, throwing them into the Ogun River. While the housemaid’s fate remains undisclosed, Oreoluwa’s body was recovered days later.

Legal Proceedings

The trial, presided over by Justice Basirat Adebowale, culminated in a judgment lasting over three hours. The court found Adekanbi, Ahmed, and Waheed guilty of the murders and sentenced them to death by hanging. Other individuals, including Temitope Fadairo and Adenike Adekanbi, the wife and mother of Adekanbi respectively, were prosecuted alongside the main suspects.

This verdict brings closure to a case that has gripped the Ogun State community, highlighting the grave consequences of betrayal and the sanctity of human life.