The Federal Capital Territory High Court, Jabi Division, on Wednesday sentenced Jonathan Markus to death by hanging for killing his 82-year-old boss, Adebola Ezekiel and 67-year-old wife, Abiodun.
Delivering judgment, Justice Idris Mohammed held that based on the evidence before the court, Markus committed the crime, adding that the testimony of the witnesses gave clear circumstances that led to the deaths.
Mr Mohammed added that the video evidence played in the open court where Markus admitted he caused the death of the victims proved he did it.
He said, “The prosecution counsel, Adama Musa has proven his case with circumstantial evidence and I invoke the provisions of section 221 of the Penal Code and sentence Markus to death by hanging.”
Earlier, the prosecution counsel said that Markus while armed with a jack knife, broke into the residence of the victims at No. 46 Moses Adasu Close, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja and slit their throats with the knife which led to their death on April 1, 2024.
He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 220 (a), (b) of the Penal Code and punishable under 221.
The late octogenarian’s son, Seun Ezekiel, called his father on the phone many times to no avail, got worried and called the chief security of the estate to go check on his parents.
Mr Ezekiel authorised the security to break the door and check what was wrong and they did same and reported back to him that they found the lifeless bodies of his parents in the pool of their blood with their throats cut
The Investigating Police officer, Felix Peter, revealed that a private tracker was used to trace the deceased’s phone and Markus’ picture appeared as his SIM was in the phone which led to his arrest in Kogi State.
Recall that Markus usually drove Mr Ezekiel before killing him and helped with house chores when his services were needed. (NAN)