An Osun State High Court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced a man, Taiwo Agboola, to death by hanging for the murder of a 62-year-old woman, Mrs. Florence Ndubusi, at a palm oil processing facility in the state.
Delivering judgment, the trial judge held that the prosecution had proven its case beyond reasonable doubt on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and murder. The offences are contrary to Sections 324 and 319(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Osun State.
According to court proceedings, the incident occurred at a rural palm oil factory on the outskirts of Osogbo. The victim, a trader who regularly visited the facility to purchase palm oil in bulk for resale, was reportedly attacked following a dispute over a financial transaction.
The court heard that Agboola struck the victim repeatedly on the head with a heavy wooden pestle, inflicting fatal injuries. He was also said to have stolen her belongings, including money intended for purchases, before disposing of her body behind a waste area within the factory premises and fleeing the scene.
The prosecution, led by the Osun State Ministry of Justice, relied on eyewitness testimony and forensic evidence to establish its case.
Key evidence included the recovery of the alleged murder weapon near the scene, which investigators said bore fingerprints linked to the defendant. The victim’s personal belongings were also reportedly found during a police search of Agboola’s residence following his arrest.
Witnesses at the facility told the court they saw the defendant in the company of the victim shortly before she was reported missing.
The defence had argued alibi, claiming the defendant was not present in the area at the time of the incident. However, the court rejected the claim, describing it as unsubstantiated in light of the evidence presented.
In his ruling, the judge described the evidence as “clear and compelling,” stating that it left no reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s guilt. He added that the act demonstrated “malice and disregard for human life,” warranting the maximum penalty under the law.
Agboola was found guilty on both counts and subsequently sentenced to death by hanging for murder.
The judgment brings the trial to a close in a case that had drawn attention within the local community.
