An Osun State High Court sitting in Ile-Ife has sentenced a 30-year-old man, Taiwo Agboola, to death for the murder of a 62-year-old woman, Jadesola Olubayo, at a palm oil processing factory in Ife South Local Government Area of the state.
The incident occurred on October 11, 2023, at a palm oil processing site located near the Amula River in Olokemeji Village, Ifetedo.
Agboola was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on attempted rape, indecent assault on a female and murder, contrary to Sections 359, 360 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
The defendant was first arraigned before the court on November 7, 2024.
During the trial, the prosecution team from the Osun State Ministry of Justice, led by Ajibola Alade and Omotayo Babalola, called four witnesses, while the defendant testified in his own defence without presenting additional witnesses.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Justice Adedapo Adeniji held that the prosecution successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt and consequently found the defendant guilty on all charges.
According to facts presented before the court, the deceased had gone to the palm oil processing factory alongside her granddaughter, Latifat Adeyemo, on the day of the incident.
Adeyemo told the court that Agboola suddenly appeared at the factory and allegedly stripped himself naked, causing panic and fear among the women at the scene.
She stated that she and her grandmother attempted to flee, but the defendant chased after them and overpowered the deceased.
Adeyemo further testified that after she ran to seek help from the owner of the factory, identified as Ajide Bashiru, they returned to discover that the deceased had been stripped naked and attacked with stones and sticks.
The witness said the victim died on the spot from the injuries inflicted on her.
She added that the suspect initially fled the scene but was later apprehended nearby and handed over to the police.
Counsel to the defendant, Oluwaseun Akintola Philip-Idiok and Victoria Ugochi Layi-Jacob, pleaded with the court to temper justice with mercy during sentencing.
However, Justice Adeniji sentenced Agboola to 14 years imprisonment for attempted rape, two years imprisonment for indecent assault, and death by hanging for the murder charge.
