A 26-year-old man, David Isaiah, will face the ultimate penalty after being sentenced to death by hanging for the gruesome murder of Comfort James, a commercial sex worker, in Ekiti State. The Ekiti State High Court, presided over by Justice Olalekan Olatawura, delivered the landmark judgment on Monday, finding Isaiah guilty on all three counts: conspiracy, kidnapping, and murder.
The chilling details of the crime unfolded in court, revealing that Isaiah and his now-deceased accomplice, Saviour Daniel, plotted the kidnapping and murder of James on February 6, 2024, in Ado Ekiti. The prosecution, led by Ibironke Odetola, presented compelling evidence, including Isaiah’s own confession.
Testimony from the Director of Afrika Brothel, where James worked, detailed the victim’s frantic last call to colleagues, reporting her abduction and a N100,000 ransom demand. Swift action by the police and Civil Defence led to the tracking and arrest of the culprits. Tragically, they led officers to the location where they had dumped James’ lifeless body.
Isaiah’s confession painted a horrifying picture. He admitted to tying James’ hands and neck. When the ransom negotiations failed and fearing identification, they resorted to a barbaric act, forcing herbicide down her throat, causing her death. The court heard how the prosecution presented a robust case with six witnesses and tangible exhibits, including confessional statements, photographs of the deceased, and the murder weapon.Justice Olatawura, in his ruling, stated unequivocally that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt. He declared that no sympathetic consideration could justify the heinous crime. The pronouncement echoed through the courtroom: “The judgment of this court upon you is that you be hanged until you are dead. May God have mercy on your soul.” The verdict sends a strong message about the consequences of such brutal acts in Ekiti State. (Punch)