A Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square has sentenced Benjamin Ogundero to death by hanging for the murder of his wife, Chinyere Ogundero, and her brother, Ifeanyi Joseph.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike delivered the verdict, finding Ogundero guilty of setting the victims ablaze while they slept in their Abule-Ado residence in April 2022.
The court determined that Ogundero had deliberately planned and executed the attack following a domestic dispute.
In her ruling, Justice Sonaike stated that the prosecution had presented irrefutable evidence proving his culpability.
She described the act as “wickedness of the highest order,” condemning it as one of the most inhumane crimes imaginable.
Apart from the murder conviction, Ogundero was also found guilty of arson and received a life sentence, which will take effect from the date of his conviction.
According to the prosecution, led by Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) Martins Babajide, Ogundero was reportedly enraged because his wife owned the house they lived in, having purchased it while working in a bank.
This resentment was identified as a significant factor that led to the crime.