By The Ikeja Special Offences Court has sentenced Pastor Erinmole Adetokunbo and one Adedoyin Oyekanmi over the murder of a seven-year-old boy for ritual purposes in the Ikorodu area of Lagos.
The duo were arraigned before the court on Monday over charges bordering on conspiracy to commit murder and murder, levelled against them by the Lagos State Government.
The convicts were first arraigned on October 30, 2017, on a two-count murder charge.
According to the charge sheet, Oyekanmi and Adetokunbo, on June 7, 2017, at No. 6, Oke Oniburokun Street, Odokekere, Ikorodu, did conspire to murder one Kazeem Rafiu.
They allegedly beheaded Rafiu and buried the head around the church’s altar, while the body was kept in a canal.
Adetokunbo, who was apprehended by residents, confessed to the crime and named Oyekanmi as his accomplice. The duo led a team of policemen to the church, where the remains of the victim were recovered.
They were re-arraigned on September 21, 2021 but pleaded not guilty to the charge. They were consequently remanded in prison custody for four years.
But when they appeared before the court on Monday, the defendants through their counsel informed the court that they have decided to change their plea to guilty.
The presiding judge, Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo held that the case was pathetic, saying the sentenced the defendants had “committed a heinous crime and deserve no mercy”.
She said, “They have cruelly and intentionally killed a seven-year-old boy. This deprived him and his family of a bright destiny.
“Section 222 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State imposes death penalty for premeditated murder, and I have no hesitation in imposing the said punishment.
“I hereby sentence Adedoyin Oyekanmi and Erinwole Adetokunbo to death for killing Kazeem Rafiu. May God have mercy on your souls.”
