Court Sentences Herbalist, Okada Rider, Electrician to Death for Killing Corps Member in Osun

Justice Adedapo Adeniji of the State High Court in Ile-Ife has sentenced three men to death for the brutal robbery and murder of Adebayo Mukaila, a youth corps member serving in Osogbo. The convicts, identified as Jelli Kareem, an herb seller; Oludayo Oludele, an Okada rider; and Awodeji Muyiwa, an electrician, were found guilty of conspiring to rob and fatally attack Mukaila on January 28th, 2020, in the Omo West Area.

During the trial, the court heard from witnesses including Mukaila’s 10-year-old daughter, a family member, a pathologist, and an investigative police officer, who provided crucial testimony and evidence. The prosecution, led by Muyiwa Ogunleye from the Ministry of Justice, presented compelling exhibits such as an autopsy report that underscored the severity of the crime.

Anifowose Buliaminu, a vulcanizer implicated in receiving stolen recharge cards from the perpetrators, was acquitted of all charges related to the murder but still faced legal proceedings for his involvement in handling stolen goods.

The defense, represented by Legal Aid Counsel Shina Olaniyan, Folashade Ipede, and Suleiman Akano, argued for the innocence of the accused, emphasizing insufficient proof by the prosecution regarding the charges of murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery, and unlawful possession of firearms.

In delivering the verdict, Justice Adeniji asserted that the prosecution had successfully established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Consequently, Kareem, Oludele, and Muyiwa were sentenced to death under Sections 316, 319, and 324 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap.34, Vol. 2, Laws of Osun State, 2002, as well as Section 27 of the Robbery and Firearms Act, Cap R11, LFN 2004.

The judgment marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Mukaila’s family and sets a precedent for stringent enforcement of the law against violent crimes in Osun State.