Islamic Cleric Sentenced To Death By Hanging For Murder In Osun State.
In a landmark ruling, an Osun State High Court sitting in Iwo has sentenced Islamic cleric Kabiru Ibrahim to death by hanging for the murder of his 25-year-old client, Lukman Adeleke. The verdict, delivered on Wednesday, 28 May 2025, also saw Ibrahim convicted of theft, for which he received a seven-year prison sentence.
The case, which has gripped the local community, centred on charges of conspiracy, murder, and theft, brought under Sections 324, 319(1), and 390 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Laws of Osun State. Presiding Judge Justice Lateef Adegoke ruled that the prosecution, led by Abiodun Badiora from the Ministry of Justice, alongside Ajibola Slade and Omotayo Babalola, had proven the case beyond reasonable doubt.
According to court proceedings, Ibrahim, a spiritualist regularly consulted by the deceased, was approached by Adeleke for guidance regarding a land purchase in 2016. The cleric allegedly instructed Adeleke to bring the money intended for the transaction for an “overnight prayer.” Tragically, Adeleke was never seen alive again after this meeting.
The prosecution revealed that when Adeleke’s family began searching for him, a community member reported seeing the young man being taken to Ibrahim’s residence the day before his disappearance. Initially, Ibrahim denied having seen Adeleke for two weeks, but this claim was refuted by the witness. The matter was reported to the police, and during interrogation, Ibrahim confessed to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) that he had killed Adeleke. He subsequently led authorities to the Ilesa/Akure Expressway, where the victim’s mutilated remains were found in a sack, with one palm severed. Photographic evidence of the crime scene was presented in court, alongside Ibrahim’s extrajudicial confession.
The prosecution called six witnesses and submitted several exhibits, including evidence that Ibrahim stole ₦300,000 from Adeleke on 24 August 2016. The defence counsel, Chidera Eze, did not respond to the prosecution’s final written address, leaving the court to proceed with the evidence presented.
In his judgement, Justice Adegoke described the murder as a “heinous act” and sentenced Ibrahim to death by hanging for the murder charge and seven years imprisonment for theft. A statement from Opeyemi Bello, Information Officer of the Ministry of Justice, confirmed the details of the ruling, underscoring the court’s commitment to justice.
The case has sparked widespread discussion in Osun State, with many expressing shock at the betrayal of trust by a spiritual leader. The verdict serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such grave crimes, as the community mourns the loss of Lukman Adeleke.
