Court Sentences Three To Death For Colonel’s Murder

In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan sentenced three individuals to death by hanging for the murder of Colonel Anthony Okeyin, the Commandant of the Nigeria Army Secondary School in Apata, Ibadan. The convicted men—Agada Solomon, Taiwo Adeniyi, and Bibisoye Kehinde—were also handed 14-year prison sentences for conspiracy and armed robbery.

The convicts were among six defendants charged in connection with the heinous act that took place on December 12, 2016. Justice Ezekiel Ajayi found them guilty on multiple counts, including conspiracy and murder, with the prosecution presenting compelling evidence, including confessional statements and the discovery of the deceased commandant’s phone in the possession of Solomon.

Conversely, the remaining three defendants—Ewere Andrew, Udobata Oruza-Uzie, and Ephraim Obi—were discharged and acquitted of all charges. Justice Ajayi noted that the only connection of the sixth defendant, Obi, was that his car was used in the commission of the crime.

During proceedings, the prosecution, represented by Mrs. K.K. Oloso, detailed how the defendants allegedly conspired at the Commandant’s quarters and fatally assaulted the 52-year-old Okeyin, inflicting severe injuries and robbing him of a Samsung X4 phone and N45,000 in cash.

In addressing the court, defense counsel Mr. F.O. Awonusi appealed for leniency, urging the court to temper justice with mercy, but this plea did not sway the judge.

The serious nature of the crimes led to their categorization under multiple sections of the Criminal Code and the Robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act, underscoring the gravity of the offenses committed