An Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta has sentenced three individuals to death by hanging for the brutal murder of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye and their son, Oreoluwa, on New Year’s Day, 2023.

The couple was attacked at their Ibara GRA residence shortly after returning from a crossover service. Led by their driver, Adekanbi Lekan, the assailants broke into their home around 2 a.m., killing them and setting both the house and their bodies on fire. Oreoluwa and an adopted son, Felix, were tied up and thrown into the Ogun River.

Justice Basirat Adebowale delivered her judgment, convicting Adekanbi, Odetola Ahmed, and Adeniyi Waheed for the murders. The trio, along with several others, faced 24 charges, including conspiracy to commit armed robbery, murder, arson, and perverting justice.

The judge found the three main defendants guilty of murdering the family and setting their bodies alight, ruling that their actions warranted the death penalty. “The manner in which the convicts killed the couple and their son shows no mercy,” Justice Adebowale stated.

Adekanbi, the driver, was sentenced to death by hanging or lethal injection for his role in the killings. His wife, Temitope, was sentenced to four years for her involvement, and his mother, Adenike, received a one-year prison sentence for her role.

The Fatinoyes, along with their surviving son, Oreoluwa, had attended a New Year crossover service at the Christ Anglican Church in Abeokuta before the tragic attack.