An elderly man, Ojo Komolafe, aged 78, has been condemned to death by the state High Court for the murder of Taofik Babalola, a school proprietor.

According to the Punch, on August 7, 2021, Komolafe shot Babalola while he was sleeping at Kajola Community in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state. Following the incident, the state police command apprehended the perpetrator and subsequently brought him to trial on two charges related to the murder.

Throughout the court proceedings, witnesses testified against the defendant, and both the prosecuting counsel and defense counsel presented their arguments.

In the final verdict, Justice Adeyemi Fasanmi, the presiding judge, determined that the prosecution had convincingly established the defendant’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge noted the presence of direct evidence linking the defendant to the crime scene and confirming his responsibility for the death of the victim.

Justice Fasanmi delivered the judgment, stating, “Based on the evidence presented, it is evident that the defendant intentionally caused the death of the deceased by shooting him at close range, resulting in his demise. Furthermore, witnesses observed the defendant fleeing the scene of the crime.”

“In conclusion, I find the defendant guilty on both counts as charged. Therefore, you, the defendant, are hereby sentenced to capital punishment by hanging until death for the first count, and a seven-year prison term for the second count.”