Cleric sentenced to death by hanging for ritual killing in Osun

By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo

An Islamic cleric, Kabiru Ibrahim, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo for the murder of one Adeleke Lukman, in what the court described as a ritual killing disguised as a spiritual exercise.

Kabiru was charged with conspiracy, murder, and stealing, contrary to Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State. The prosecution team, led by Abiodun Badiora from the Ministry of Justice, told the court that the convict was a spiritualist who the deceased frequently visited for spiritual advice.

The incident occurred when Lukman sought Kabiru’s help before purchasing land. Kabiru allegedly asked him to bring the money for an overnight prayer, but Lukman was never seen again after that meeting. His disappearance raised suspicion among family members and locals.

A witness informed the family that Lukman had been last seen heading to Kabiru’s residence. Although Kabiru initially denied seeing him, the witness insisted he had personally taken the deceased to the cleric’s house a day before he went missing.

The case was reported to the police, and during interrogation, Kabiru confessed to the murder. He later led officers to the Ilesa/Akure expressway, where Lukman’s remains were found inside a sack. One of his palms had been severed, and the scene was documented and presented as evidence in court.

The prosecution presented six witnesses and several exhibits, including Kabiru’s extrajudicial confession. It was also revealed that Kabiru stole ₦300,000 from the deceased on August 24, 2016.

The defense counsel, Chidera Eze, failed to respond to the prosecution’s final written address, leaving the court to proceed with judgment.

In his ruling, Justice Lateef Adegoke sentenced Kabiru to seven years’ imprisonment for stealing and death by hanging for murder.