A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced a 35-year-old driver, Jonathan Marcus, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his former employer, 80-year-old Adebola Ezekiel, and the victim's wife, Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel. The judgment was delivered on July 1, 2025, by Hon. Justice M. S. Idris of the FCT High Court, who ruled that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt.
Details of the Crime
The gruesome incident occurred on April 1, 2024, at the couple's residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. Marcus, who had previously worked as the family's driver, gained access to the home at approximately 11:00 p.m. and murdered both victims. According to police investigations, the suspect had been dismissed from his job following repeated disagreements with his employers.
Arrest and Confession
Following the discovery of the double murder, the Nigeria Police Force launched an extensive investigation that led to Marcus's arrest in Obajana, Kogi State, where he had fled after committing the crime. During interrogation, the suspect confessed to the killings, providing details of how he entered the residence and carried out the attacks.
Trial and Sentencing
Marcus was arraigned before the FCT High Court, where the prosecution presented evidence including the confession and forensic findings. After evaluating all evidence and hearing submissions from both sides, Justice Idris found the defendant guilty of murder. The court sentenced him to death by hanging, the mandatory penalty for murder under Nigerian law.
Police Reaction
The FCT Police Command, through its spokesperson SP Josephine Adeh, issued a statement reacting to the judgment. The statement reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory of the Command's firm commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that perpetrators of crime are brought to justice in accordance with the law. SP Adeh commended the investigative team and the judiciary for their diligence in securing the conviction.
