In a significant verdict, the Osun State High Court has handed down a death sentence by hanging to Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, the Founder of Hilton Hotel in Ile-Ife, along with two members of his staff, Adeniyi Aderogba and Kazeem Oyetunde. This verdict comes in connection with the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife.
Justice Adepele Ojo delivered the judgment, convicting and sentencing the accused individuals. Meanwhile, three other hotel staff members were discharged and acquitted. The seventh defendant’s sentencing will be announced on Wednesday, considering pleas from both the prosecution and the defendant’s counsel.
Dr. Ramon Adedoyin and his six workers, including Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwole Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem, Adebayo Kunle, and Adedeji Adesola, faced an 18-count charge, including murder, conspiracy, and oath of secrecy.
Justice Adepele Ojo found Dr. Ramon Adedoyin guilty of conspiracy to murder and murder, based on the evidence presented during the trial. She also established the involvement of Kazeem Oyetunde in the crime, as he was found to be among the perpetrators. However, Adedeji Adesola’s circumstances did not strongly support her culpability for counts 1, 2, and 3.
The court emphasized that the second autopsy report, signed by two pathologists from Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, was disregarded due to concerns of vested interests. The investigation revealed that Timothy Adegoke had stayed at Hilton Hotel and made payments into the seventh defendant’s account.
The first, third, and fifth defendants were found guilty of conspiracy to improperly and indecently dispose of the deceased body.
In summary, the Osun Court’s verdict in the murder case of an OAU student has resulted in death sentences for the Hilton Hotel owner and two staff members. The court, while acquitting some of the accused, held others accountable for various charges. The decision highlights the serious consequences faced by those involved in such heinous crimes.