Two years after the gruesome murder of Kehinde and Bukola Fatinoye and their son Oreoluwa on New Year’s Day 2023, justice remains elusive for the grieving family. Despite the arrest and trial of the suspects, judgment has yet to be delivered......Read The Full Article>>.....Read The Full Article>>
The tragedy unfolded on January 1, 2023, after the Fatinoyes attended a crossover service at Christ Anglican Church, Iporo-Ake, Abeokuta. Returning home full of hope for the year ahead, they were ambushed at their residence on Oba Karunwi Road, Ibara GRA, Abeokuta, a location near the former governor’s residence.
Around 1:30 a.m., the family was attacked by assailants who robbed them, killed the couple, and set their house ablaze. Their son, Oreoluwa, and an adopted child, Felix, were tied and thrown into a river along Adigbe-Obada Road, leading to Oreoluwa’s death. Felix miraculously survived.
Lekan Adekanbi, the family’s driver of nearly five years, confessed to masterminding the crime. During police interrogation, Lekan admitted frustration over an unfulfilled request for a salary raise and loan, leading him to recruit accomplices Ahmed Odetola and Waheed Adeniyi for the robbery.
“I wanted to collect my money from them,” Lekan stated. He alleged that his duties had been unfairly expanded beyond driving, including house chores and dog care, for which he received a meager ₦25,000 monthly salary.
The suspects, including Lekan’s wife, aged mother, and others who bought stolen property from the family, were arrested and arraigned in February 2023 on an 11-count charge. These charges spanned conspiracy, murder, arson, theft, and escape from lawful custody.
The case, which initially began at the Magistrate Court in Abeokuta, moved to the Ogun State High Court, where trials have concluded. As of now, the court has set February 3, 2025, for judgment.
Sources from the correctional facility indicate heightened anticipation for the verdict. For the bereaved family and concerned observers, this date holds the hope of justice being served after years of waiting.
