A Magistrate Court sitting in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered the remand of a farm worker, John Odah, for allegedly murdering his employer’s husband with a machete.
Odah was reportedly apprehended by officers of the Ondo State Police Command over the incident, which occurred on April 18, 2025, at Agbajo Farm, located in the Ilu-Abo area of Akure North Local Government.
According to police findings, the deceased had declined an offer of Indian hemp from the defendant, which led to a heated argument.
The confrontation escalated, and Odah allegedly struck the man with a machete, resulting in fatal injuries.
The police arraigned the suspect on a single count of murder. During the court proceedings, the prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that Odah attacked the victim, identified as Sunday Innocent, with a machete, inflicting deadly wounds to his forehead and back.
The charge read in part: “That you, John Odah, on April 18, 2025, at about 2 p.m., at Agbajo Farm via Ilu-Abo in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully machete one Sunday Innocent on the forehead and back, causing his death.”
The offence contravenes Sections 319(1) and 320(1) of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.
Although the defendant was arraigned, the court did not take his plea.
The prosecutor then urged the court to remand him at a correctional facility pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP).
Magistrate O. Omotosho granted the request and ordered Odah’s remand in a correctional centre.
She also directed the prosecution to forward the case file to the DPP for further action.
The case has been adjourned till May 30, 2025, for mention.