The Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA) has hailed the Osun State High Court on the death sentence passed on owner of Hilton Hotel and Resort, Ile-Ife, Abdulrahman Adedoyin, for the murder of a post-graduate student of the Obafemi Awolowo University, Timothy Adegoke.
HURIWA, in a statement by its National Coordinator, Comrade Emmanuel Onwubiko, lauded the chief judge of Osun State, Adepele Ojo, for the courageous verdict.
The group also called for the swift conclusion of cases piling up in courts across state and federal levels, saying prompt conclusion of cases would serve as deterrent.
On Tuesday, the hotelier was sentenced to death alongside two others found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder. Mr Adedoyin, chairman of the hotel, was charged alongside six of his staff; Magdalene Chiefuna, Adeniyi Aderogba, Oluwole Lawrence, Oyetunde Kazeem, Adebayo Kunle and Adedeji Adesola.
While the hotel owner and three others were sentenced to death, three other staff members of the hotel, Magdalene Chiefuna, Lawrence Oluwole and Adedeji Adesola, were discharged and acquitted.
On Wednesday, the receptionist on duty on the day Adegoke arrived, Adedeji Adesola, was also sentenced to two years imprisonment.
Mr Adegoke, a Business Administration (MBA) student, had travelled from Abuja to Ile-Ife to sit for his examination. He lodged in the hotel where he hoped to stay out the period of the examinations but was declared missing by the police on November 7, 2021.
HURIWA said, “The swift prosecution and diligent conclusion of the case of Timothy Adegoke’s murder is most commendable. There should be immediate punishment for offenders and this is the best way to deter crimes as justice delayed is justice denied.”
