By hammed from ikirun Osun state,which we update,report news,sport,happens and political talk from the newsroom of presshub media agency…
A High Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, has sentenced a man to death by hanging for the murder of his biological brother, in a tragic case that has shocked the local community and drawn wide attention across Nigeria.
Justice Adekemi Fasanmi, who presided over the case, delivered the judgment on Thursday, describing the act as “callous, intentional, and an unthinkable betrayal of family bond.”
According to court records, the convicted man, Sunday Adeola (aged 37), was charged with murder contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law, Cap C16, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
Prosecutors told the court that Adeola committed the heinous act on May 18, 2022, at his family compound in Ikole-Ekiti, following a heated argument over the sharing of their late father’s property.
How the Tragedy Happened
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence showing that the brothers had been at loggerheads for months over land inheritance. Witnesses testified that the dispute turned violent after a family meeting ended in disagreement.
According to one witness, a neighbor who heard the commotion, Adeola was seen holding a machete moments before his younger brother, Taiwo Adeola, was found lying in a pool of blood.
Police investigators told the court that the suspect had fled the scene after the attack but was later apprehended by operatives of the Ekiti State Police Command at a hideout in the neighboring town of Oye-Ekiti.
During interrogation, Adeola reportedly confessed to attacking his brother “in anger” after a prolonged disagreement, though he later claimed it was “not intentional.”
The autopsy report confirmed that the deceased died from deep machete wounds to the neck and head, consistent with a violent assault.
The Court’s Decision
In her judgment, Justice Fasanmi held that the prosecution had successfully proved the case of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
She dismissed the defense’s argument that the killing was accidental, citing the nature of the injuries and the weapon used.
“The evidence before this court clearly shows that the defendant acted with intent to kill. He used a lethal weapon on a vital part of the body. His subsequent escape from the scene also shows consciousness of guilt,” the judge said.
Justice Fasanmi further stated that crimes of such nature must be met with the full weight of the law to deter others.
“It is tragic that a man would take the life of his own brother over property. This court has no pleasure in sentencing anyone to death, but justice must be served, not only for the deceased but for society as a whole,” she declared before delivering the sentence.
Consequently, the judge pronounced:
“The defendant, Sunday Adeola, is hereby sentenced to death by hanging until he be dead. May the Lord have mercy on your soul.”
Reactions from the Courtroom
The judgment drew mixed emotions in the courtroom. While relatives of the deceased expressed relief that justice had finally been served, some family members of the convict broke down in tears, pleading for leniency.
Outside the court, residents of Ikole-Ekiti who followed the trial described the ruling as “fair but painful.”
A community elder, Chief Samuel Adebayo, told reporters that the tragedy was a wake-up call on the dangers of greed and anger within families.
“This is a sad day for our town. Two brothers who grew up together — one is gone forever, and the other will now face death. This shows how property disputes can destroy even blood relations,” he said.
The Prosecution Speaks
The state’s lead prosecutor, Mrs. Olayinka Adedeji, commended the judgment, saying it sends a strong message against domestic violence and intra-family killings.
“Justice has been done today. No one, no matter the relationship, has the right to take another person’s life. This judgment is a reminder that every act of violence carries consequences,” she said.
She also encouraged residents of Ekiti to embrace peaceful conflict resolution and to seek legal mediation instead of resorting to violence.
A Broader Issue in Nigeria
Cases of siblings or close relatives killing one another over inheritance disputes have been on the rise in Nigeria, particularly in rural communities. Legal experts have urged families to document wills properly to prevent future conflicts.
Human rights lawyer Barrister Femi Ogunleye told reporters that many violent crimes stem from ignorance of property laws.
“Most people don’t know that under Nigerian law, property disputes should be handled through civil processes, not personal confrontation. Sadly, emotions often take over reason, leading to tragic outcomes like this,” he said.
Ogunleye also advised traditional rulers to play a stronger role in resolving family feuds before they escalate.
Public Reaction Online
As news of the verdict spread, social media users across Nigeria reacted strongly. Many condemned the act while others expressed sorrow over how quickly anger and greed could destroy families.
On X (formerly Twitter), one user wrote:
“Imagine killing your own brother because of land. What will it profit a man to gain property and lose his own soul?”
Another user posted:
“Justice served, but what a heartbreaking story. May the soul of the deceased rest in peace.”
The story has since gone viral, trending under hashtags related to #JusticeInEkiti and #CourtVerdict.
Final Thoughts
The Ekiti High Court’s judgment marks another chapter in Nigeria’s growing list of tragic domestic killings. It highlights the importance of emotional control, communication, and lawful dispute resolution among family members.
While the sentence may seem harsh, many legal analysts believe it upholds the sanctity of life and serves as a strong warning to others who might contemplate similar acts.
As one observer aptly said outside the courthouse, “When anger becomes stronger than love, even blood can turn bitter — and justice must restore balance.”
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