After two years of waiting, justice has finally been served for the Fatinoye family. On Monday, February 3, 2025, the Ogun State High Court in Abeokuta sentenced three men—Adekanbi Lekan, Odetola Ahmed, and Adeniyi Waheed—to death for the gruesome murder of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye and their son, Oreoluwa.
Justice Basirat Adebowale delivered the verdict in a session that lasted over three hours. The three convicts received multiple sentences, including death by hanging or lethal injection, life imprisonment with hard labor, and additional jail terms for other crimes.
“The sentence of this court on Adekanbi Lekan in respect of count II is that he be hanged by the neck until he is dead or by lethal injection. May God have mercy on your soul,” the judge declared.
The Fatinoyes, who lived in Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, returned home on New Year’s Eve after attending a crossover church service. Unaware that their driver, Lekan, and his gang had been following them, they were attacked in their home.
The assailants robbed and brutally murdered the couple before setting their house on fire at around 1:30 a.m. They also tied up their son, Oreoluwa, and their adopted son, Felix, throwing them into a river along Adigbe-Obada road. Tragically, Oreoluwa did not survive.
In addition to the three main convicts, others were also charged for their roles in the crime. The first defendant’s wife, Fadairo Temitope, was sentenced to four years in prison, while his mother, Adekanbi Adenike, received a one-year sentence.
Zacceaus Fatinoye, the younger brother of the late Kehinde, expressed relief over the court’s decision.
“We feel okay, but whether they are executed or not, we still won’t see my elder brother again. However, with this judgment, we feel more at peace,” he said.
Church members who knew the Fatinoyes also welcomed the judgment. Olufemi Oladipo, a member of Christ Anglican Church, described Kehinde as a committed churchgoer and thanked God that justice was served.
Meanwhile, Babatunde Busari, the lawyer representing some of the convicts, stated that he would consult his clients to decide whether to appeal the judgment.
He said;
“As legal representatives, we will discuss the next steps with our clients. They may choose to appeal,”
Ogun State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade (SAN), hinted that the government might start signing death warrants for convicted criminals.
He emphasized that enforcing the law strictly would help curb serious crimes like murder, kidnapping, and cultism in the state.
“We are considering sending a strong message that Ogun State is not a place where criminals can commit serious offenses and get away with it,” he stated.
This case has been a long and painful journey for the Fatinoye family and the people of Ogun State. With this judgment, many believe that justice has been served, sending a clear warning to criminals. However, the possibility of an appeal means this case may not be over yet.
