Ondo Court Orders Remand of 17-Year-Old Student for Alleged Murder of Friend
A Family Magistrate's Court in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a 17-year-old student, Daniel Johnson, at the Juvenile Correctional Centre over the alleged murder of his close friend, Timilehin Ariyo. The young defendant was arraigned by the police on a one-count charge of murder after being arrested for allegedly stabbing the deceased to death following a dispute over clothes.
Details of the Alleged Crime
Police prosecutor Martin Olowofeso informed the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 6, 2026, at approximately 4:00 p.m. by the roadside in Owo, within the Owo Local Government area of Ondo State. Olowofeso stated that the defendant allegedly stabbed his friend during a fight at a UTME and WAEC lesson centre, which erupted due to a disagreement over clothing. According to the prosecutor, this offence contravenes Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37, Laws of Ondo State.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
During the court hearing, the defendant admitted to stabbing the deceased, revealing that he had kept a knife with him during the altercation. The deceased's brother, who also spoke in court, made several serious allegations against Johnson. He claimed that the young offender was recently initiated into a deadly occult group and had previously used a knife to chase his mother out of their home on multiple occasions. Additionally, he alleged that Johnson had been notorious for violent behaviour, including once threatening his JAMB lesson teacher with a knife during a preparatory class.
Prosecutor's Request and Defense Response
The prosecutor urged the court to remand Johnson at the Juvenile Correctional Centre in Akure pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Counsel to the defendant, Mr. O. O. Oladapo, raised no objection to the remand application. In her ruling, Magistrate Temitope Alphonso ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Juvenile Correctional Centre and adjourned the case to June 2, 2026, for further hearing.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about youth violence and security in educational settings, with authorities taking strict measures to address such incidents under the state's criminal laws.
