Justice Ibrahim Yusuf of a Kwara State High Court in Ilorin has sentenced AbdulAzeez Ismail, Ajala Moses and Oyeyemi Timileyin to death by hanging for the rape and murder of 24-year-old Blessing Omowumi Olajide, a 300-level student of the University of Ilorin in June 2021.
Three out of the eight defendants in the case were however discharged and acquitted.
The arraignment of 8 persons for alleged involvement in the rape, murder and stealing of items from Blessing Olajide in July 2021 no doubt came as a relief to many who had lamented the gruesome murder of the young undergraduate.
In a judgement that lasted for five hours, Justice Ibrahim Yusuf reviewed all facts of the case and delivered judgement on each of the eleven count charges levelled against the defendants, Abdulazeez Ismail, Ajala Moses and Oyeyemi Timileyin who were the principal suspects and were convicted for armed robbery, culpable homicide and rape hence the sentence to death by hanging.
While the 6th, 7th and 8th defendants were discharged and acquitted, two siblings, Shuaib and Rasheed Kareem were not that lucky as they were sentenced to three years Imprisonment for helping in stealing money from the deceased’s bank account.
To the family of the murdered student and human rights activists who have been seeking justice, the judgement has further confirmed the role of the judiciary as the last hope of the common man.
It is however hoped that this will serve as a deterrent to would-be rapists as the law is no respecter of persons.
Editor : Ena Agbanoma
