An Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo has sentenced an Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, to death by hanging for the murder of one Adeleke Lukman, in what was described by the court as a ritual killing disguised as spiritual consultation.
Presiding judge Justice Lateef Adegoke found the accused guilty on a three-count charge of conspiracy, murder, and stealing, all contrary to Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State.
The prosecution, led by Abiodun Badiora Esq. of the Osun State Ministry of Justice, with Ajibola Slade and Omotayo Babalola, told the court that the defendant was a spiritualist whom the deceased regularly consulted for guidance.
On the day of the incident, the deceased reportedly approached the cleric for spiritual fortification ahead of a land purchase. Kabiru allegedly requested that Lukman brought N300,000 for an overnight prayer. Lukman was never seen alive again after that encounter.
According to witness testimony, a community member (name withheld) stated that he personally took Lukman to the cleric’s residence the day he disappeared. However, Kabiru initially claimed he had not seen the deceased for two weeks.
Following a police investigation, Kabiru confessed to killing Lukman and stealing his money. He subsequently led investigators to a location along the Ilesa/Akure expressway, where the decomposed remains of Lukman were discovered in a sack. The deceased’s palm had been severed, suggesting a ritual motive.
Photographs from the crime scene and Kabiru’s extrajudicial confession were presented as evidence. The prosecution called six witnesses and tendered several exhibits during the trial.
In his ruling, Justice Adegoke stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and left no reasonable doubt of the defendant’s guilt. The defense counsel, Chidera Eze Esq., offered no final written address.
Kabiru Ibrahim was sentenced to seven years imprisonment for stealing and death by hanging for murder.
The court described the crime as cold-blooded and premeditated, emphasizing the need for justice to be served in order to deter similar offenses.
