On Friday, an Ogun State High Court delivered a stark message against ritualistic violence, handing down severe sentences to three young men involved in the horrific murder of 16-year-old Sofia Okeowo in Abeokuta South. The court’s decision brings a degree of closure to a case that shocked the community.
The gruesome details of Sofia’s death, which occurred on January 28, 2022, came to light during the trial. Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi, and Lukmon Abdulgafar were arrested following a viral video that captured them with Sofia’s head burning in a local burner and reciting incantations over her corpse. Evidence presented in court revealed that Sofia had visited her boyfriend, Mustakeem. During their encounter, Mustakeem, aided by Soliudeen, viciously attacked and strangled her before decapitating her. They further dismembered parts of her body and attempted to burn her head at Lukmon’s residence. A fourth suspect, Waris Oladeinde, was released in March 2022 due to insufficient evidence.
Justice Akinyemi, presiding over the case, convicted Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi of murder, sentencing them to death. Lukmon Abdulgafar received a life in prison sentence for his involvement.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, expressed satisfaction with the verdict, stating, “Ogun State has won this case, and the convicts have been conclusively excluded from civilised society for the considerable future. We are grateful for the closure that we have been able to provide Sofia’s family. I am incredibly proud of the prosecutors at the Ministry of Justice who secured justice despite challenges.”
This tragic case serves as a somber reminder of the dangers of ritualistic practices and the importance of upholding societal values. The Ministry of Justice remains committed to pursuing justice in such heinous crimes, aiming to deter others and protect innocent lives.
Source: NGB
