A High Court in Ilorin, Kwara State, has sentenced Mohammed Kazeem Beiwa to death by hanging for killing his neighbour, Olokose Ojo Olushola in Ilorin, just a few days to his wedding in 2021.

Justice S. M. Akanbi, also slammed a 10 year imprisonment with a N100,000 fine each to Beiwa’s two other accomplices- Madu Jeremiah and Mohammed Chatta. The fourth defendant, Jimoh Abdulateef was however released by the Court for lack of adequate proof.

All accused persons were facing an eight count charge of criminal conspiracy, kidnapping, culpable homicide, illegal possession of firearms, and illegal removal of human parts.

The prosecuting team led by the former Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice of Kwara State, Ibrahim Sulyman argued that the four accused men kidnapped the victim, Olokose Ojo Olushola in his house a few days to his nuptials in Ilorin and murdered him sometime in 2021.

Not done yet, after kidnapping, killing, and dismembering their victim, they went further to negotiate a ransom for his release from his unsuspecting family.

Nine witnesses were called, just as various exhibits were tendered to the court.

In his judgement, Justice Akanbi said: “The defendants had caused the death of one Olokose Ojo Olushola sometime in March 2021, a couple of days before the deceased’s wedding ceremony.

“The body was mutilated and despite knowing of the death of the said Olushola Olokose, the defendants still demanded ransom from the family of the deceased making it appear their victim was alive and held hostage by kidnappers.

“The first defendant Mohammed Kazeem Beiwa who masterminded the horrific tragedy and was also a neighbour of the deceased was sentenced to death by hanging and the other two bagged 10 years imprisonment with N100,000 fine on different counts.