An Ondo State High Court sitting in Akure has sentenced a middle-aged man, Sunday Omoniyi, to death by hanging for the murder of his roommate, Michael Oyebanji, during a heated argument over the closing of a door.

The tragic incident occurred on July 23, 2022, at around 6:30 a.m. at 4, Canaanland, Ijoka Road, Akure. The case has now reached a grim conclusion, with Justice W.R. Olamide ruling that the prosecution had successfully proven the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt. Eyes Of Lagos reports,

Background of the Case

Omoniyi was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder, contrary to Section 316 and punishable under Section 319 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 2006.

According to court testimony, the disagreement began in the early hours of the morning when Omoniyi and Oyebanji argued over whether the room door should be kept open or closed. Though the quarrel was reportedly settled at first, events quickly escalated after their co-occupants left the room.

Eyewitness Testimonies

One of the prosecution witnesses, Ismaila Adefaka, a landlord and co-tenant, told the court that he heard loud noises from the apartment and went to investigate. Upon entering the room, he found Oyebanji lying in a pool of blood with a stab wound to the chest. The weapon — a bloodstained knife — was allegedly in Omoniyi’s hand.

Adefaka explained that he immediately reported the matter to the police after Oyebanji was confirmed dead at the hospital.

Three other witnesses — Adedeji Gift, Adedugbe Opeyemi, and Aremu Opeyemi — also testified, recounting that they initially intervened to resolve the dispute between the two men over the door but left after believing the matter was settled. Moments later, they heard Oyebanji’s cries and rushed back to find him fatally injured.

According to Adedugbe Opeyemi, Omoniyi admitted on the spot that he stabbed Oyebanji in retaliation after the deceased allegedly punched him during their renewed altercation.

Police Investigation and Confession

Police prosecutor, Inspector Fisayo Oladepo, told the court that during interrogation, Omoniyi confessed in a written statement to stabbing Oyebanji. The prosecution argued that the act was intentional and carried out with the intent to cause grievous harm or death.

The police report and medical evidence confirmed that the fatal wound was inflicted on Oyebanji’s chest, causing massive blood loss and leading to his death.

Court’s Decision

In delivering his judgment, Justice W.R. Olamide stated that the evidence presented by the prosecution was overwhelming and credible. He noted that the testimonies of the eyewitnesses, the defendant’s confession, and the forensic evidence all corroborated each other.

“The prosecution has successfully established the offence of murder against the defendant. The court hereby sentences Sunday Omoniyi to death by hanging,” Justice Olamide declared.

Legal Implications

Under Nigerian law, murder convictions carry the death penalty, typically by hanging. This ruling serves as a stark reminder of the legal consequences of violent disputes and the irreversible nature of fatal confrontations.

Bottom Line:
A simple argument over a door ended in a fatal stabbing, leading to a death sentence. The case highlights how minor disagreements can spiral into irreversible tragedies, and why conflict resolution is critical in shared living situations.