An Ekiti State High Court in Ado-Ekiti has sentenced 34-year-old Stephen Adamu to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his brother, David Adamu.
Adamu was first arraigned on January 31, 2025, before Justice Adekunle Adeleye on one count of murder, contrary to Section 234 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on September 29, 2024, at the Atikankan area of Ado-Ekiti. Testifying before the court, an eyewitness, Mr. Selfa Vengrim, said he was alerted that a fight had broken out among members of his community. Upon arrival, he met the convict assaulting his girlfriend, identified as Julianah, who was later taken to the hospital after sustaining injuries.
Vengrim told the court that while the deceased, David Adamu, tried to intervene in the dispute, the convict pulled out a knife and stabbed him in the neck. Realizing the severity of his action, Stephen attempted to flee but was pursued, apprehended, and handed over to the police. David reportedly died at the scene, and his body was later deposited at the morgue.
Prosecuting counsel, Mrs. Funmi Bello, called six witnesses and presented several exhibits, including the defendant’s confessional statement, an attestation form, and the murder weapon. The defense counsel, Mr. S.K. Idowu, made no attempt to call any witnesses.
Delivering judgment, Justice Adeleye held that the prosecution had successfully proven its case beyond reasonable doubt.
He stated, “From the circumstances of this case, it is clear that the defendant intentionally stabbed the deceased on the neck with the intent to kill. I therefore find the defendant guilty as charged.”
Justice Adeleye consequently sentenced Stephen Adamu to death by hanging.
Source:Africa Publicity
