MICHAEL AKINOLA
“The sentence of the Court upon you, Emmanuel Akpan, is that you be hanged by the neck until you be dead, and may the Lord have mercy on your soul.”
P.M.EXPRESS reports that it was the judgment of the Ondo State High Court, which sentenced a 21-year-old domestic staff, Emmanuel Akpan, to death by hanging for killing his female boss, Mrs. Febisola Caroline Adedayo.
The Court found Akpan guilty for inflicting fatal machete cuts on Mrs. Adedayo’s neck, causing her death.
Akpan and another suspect, Goodness James Akpe, were arrested on 29th March, 2021, at Ifakanbale Street, Sabo, Ondo Town, following the killing.
The convict, Akpan, murdered his boss Mrs. Adedayo to steal valuables, including ATM cards, phones, and a generator. He even attempted to burn down the house to destroy evidence.
He was later arrested alongside the suspected accomplice and charged before the Court by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ondo State.
They were charged on the two counts of conspiracy and murder under the Criminal Law of the State, contrary to Sections 324, 316, and 319(1) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
While delivering judgment in Charge No: AK/57C/2022, Hon. Justice Rotimi Olamide held that the prosecution proved Akpan’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. The judge described the act as “cruel, inhuman and undeserving of mercy,” especially given that the deceased had previously assisted Akpan.
Justice Olamide cited Akpan’s confessional statement and consistent witness testimonies as key evidence. The court dismissed the defendants’ denial, noting contradictions in their claims and the implausibility of Akpan’s account of his arrest.
While Akpan was convicted and sentenced to death, the court discharged and acquitted the first defendant, Goodness James Akpe, due to insufficient evidence linking him directly to the killing.