Ekiti Court Sentences Man to Life Imprisonment for Setting Ex-Boss on Fire

A 41-year-old man, Olasunkanmi Kareem, has been sentenced to life imprisonment by an Ekiti State High Court in Ado Ekiti for attempting to murder his former boss by setting him on fire.

Kareem was arraigned on November 18, 2024, on a one-count charge of attempted murder, which contravenes Section 241 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. The court heard that on August 11, 2024, in Ifaki Ekiti, he attempted to kill Omoboriwo Bashiru by dousing him with petrol and igniting the fire.

Bashiru, who survived the attack, testified that Kareem had previously been his apprentice at a mechanic workshop and continued to receive assistance from him even after completing his training. On the day of the incident, Kareem reportedly called Bashiru around 8 p.m. regarding a carburetor repair. When Bashiru told him he could not find the part, Kareem became aggressive and threatened to set him ablaze. Later that night, they met at a vulcanizer’s workshop, where an argument broke out. Kareem, who had brought a gallon of petrol, suddenly poured it on Bashiru and set him on fire. Bashiru suffered severe burns but was rescued by passersby and rushed to the hospital.

The prosecution, led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemo, presented four witnesses and submitted Kareem’s statements, photographs of the victim, and a medical report as evidence. The defendant testified in his defense but did not call any witnesses.

Justice Jibril Aladejana ruled that Kareem had lured Bashiru to the location, ambushed him, and deliberately caused grievous bodily harm, which amounted to attempted murder. The judge noted that without intervention, the victim could have died. He concluded that Kareem’s actions warranted no leniency and sentenced him to life imprisonment.