The Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, has made a landmark decision, upholding the death sentence of Dr. Ramon Adedoyin, a prominent hotelier, in connection with the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a former Master’s student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife.¹ This ruling comes after the Osun State High Court initially convicted Adedoyin and sentenced him to death.

The events leading up to this decision began on November 5, 2021, when Adegoke arrived at Adedoyin’s Hilton Hotels and Resorts in Ile-Ife, Osun State, to prepare for his examination at the OAU Distance Learning Centre, Moro, on November 6 and 7, 2021. Tragically, Adegoke went missing and was later found dead, buried in a shallow grave, prompting a police investigation.

In its judgment, the Court of Appeal affirmed the decision of the Osun State High Court, stating that Adedoyin’s appeal was dismissed in part, and that he was properly convicted and sentenced to death.² However, the court overturned the order of forfeiture of Hilton Hotel and the directive for education scholarships for Adegoke’s children, deeming them unnecessary.³

This decision marks a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice for Timothy Adegoke and his family. The Nigerian judiciary has reaffirmed its commitment to holding perpetrators accountable for their crimes, ensuring that justice is served, and providing closure for the victims’ loved ones.