Iwo, Osun State – A High Court sitting in Iwo, Osun State, has sentenced an Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, to death by hanging for the murder of his client, Lukman Adeleke.
Justice Lateef Adegoke, who presided over the case, ruled on Monday that the prosecution had successfully established its case beyond reasonable doubt. Ibrahim faced charges of conspiracy, murder, and theft under Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Osun State Criminal Code.
In his judgment, Justice Adegoke declared Ibrahim guilty on all counts. The court sentenced him to seven years imprisonment for the theft and handed down a capital punishment—death by hanging—for the murder.
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According to a statement released by Opeyemi Bello, the Information Officer of the Osun State Ministry of Justice, the prosecution was led by legal counsel Abiodun Badiora. During the trial, Badiora revealed that the cleric had served as a spiritual advisor to the victim, Lukman Adeleke.
Adeleke, who had confided in the cleric about his intention to purchase a parcel of land, was reportedly advised by Ibrahim to bring the money for spiritual prayers before proceeding with the transaction. Tragically, Adeleke was never seen alive again after meeting with the cleric.
Worried by his sudden disappearance, Adeleke’s family launched a search. Their investigation revealed that the last known contact he had was with Kabiru Ibrahim, prompting suspicion and eventual legal action.
The court’s ruling has been welcomed by many as a significant step towards justice in cases involving abuse of spiritual authority and trust.
