OAU student killing: Appeal court upholds Adedoyin’s death sentence
Adegoke, a master's student of the OAU, was found dead at the Hilton Honours Hotel in Ile-Ife on November 6, 2021, sparking widespread outrage and calls for justice. The police investigation that followed revealed that Adedoyin, the owner of the hotel, was involved in the student's murder, and he was subsequently arrested, charged, and convicted.
The Osun State High Court had sentenced Adedoyin to death by hanging, and also ordered the forfeiture of the Hilton Hotel to the government and directed Adedoyin to provide education scholarships to Adegoke's children. However, Adedoyin appealed the judgment, arguing that the trial was flawed and that the conviction was unjust.
But the Court of Appeal has now upheld the death sentence, dismissing Adedoyin's appeal and affirming the verdict of the lower court. The appellate court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and that the conviction was justified.
However, the court set aside some aspects of the lower court's orders, including the order of forfeiture of the Hilton Hotel and the order for Adedoyin to provide education scholarships to Adegoke's children. The court held that these orders were not supported by the evidence presented during the trial.
The judgment has been welcomed by the family of the deceased and by human rights activists, who have been calling for justice for Adegoke. The case has also sparked a national conversation about the safety and security of students in Nigerian universities and the need for hotel owners and managers to take responsibility for the welfare of their guests.
The Osun State Government has commended the judiciary for upholding the rule of law and ensuring that justice is served. The government has also assured the public that it will continue to work towards ensuring the safety and security of all citizens, including students.
https://punchng.com/breaking-oau-student-killing-appeal-court-upholds-adedoyins-death-sentence/