Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
AKURE, Nigeria — A Magistrate’s Court in Akure, Ondo State, has ordered that 21‑year‑old carpenter Anthony Alabi be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre pending legal advice from the state’s Director of Public Prosecutions in connection with the alleged killing of a 58‑year‑old woman, Veronica Olaseni, in an incident that has shocked the community.
The case stems from events that occurred on March 2, 2026, at about 2:30 p.m. in Iboropa‑Akoko, Akoko North‑East Local Government Area, according to the prosecutor. Police allege that Alabi went to Olaseni’s farm with the intent to steal her belongings and, when she recognised him, he strangled her to death.
Inspector Folashade Adebayo, prosecuting on behalf of the police, informed the court that Alabi was arraigned on a two‑count charge of murder and theft under the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006. One count alleges that he unlawfully caused the death of Veronica Olaseni by gripping her neck tightly, an act contrary to Section 319 of the Criminal Code. The second count accuses him of stealing her Infinix mobile phone valued at N150,000, a cutlass valued at N10,000, and her Access Bank ATM card shortly after the alleged killing.
During proceedings before Magistrate Temitope Adurota, the court did not take a plea from Alabi because the magistrate’s court does not have jurisdiction to try offences punishable by death. Instead, he was remanded to the correctional centre while the case file is forwarded to the DPP’s office for advice, a step that will determine whether the matter should be committed to a higher court for trial. The case was adjourned for mention on June 6.
Alabi reportedly made a startling statement in court as part of his own account of events. He admitted to having intercourse with the victim’s body after the killing, stating, “I didn’t want her body to waste, so I had intercourse with her corpse.” This admission has further compounded the severity of the allegations against him and is believed to be part of the evidence the prosecution will present as investigations continue.
Community reactions have been of deep concern and revulsion. Local residents described the incident as horrific, emphasising the need for justice and stronger community protection. The involvement of a recognisable individual allegedly attempting theft before the fatal encounter has sparked discussions on rural security and the vulnerability of residents working in isolated farming areas.
Legal analysts note that the reported conduct, including the admitted act involving the corpse, could have additional legal implications beyond the charges currently filed, depending on how prosecutors and the DPP interpret existing criminal statutes under the state’s Criminal Code. Such conduct is generally considered unlawful and could constitute separate offences that carry further legal penalties.
For now, Alabi remains in custody as authorities compile and assess evidence. The DPP’s advice will be crucial in determining whether the charges will be upgraded or additional counts will be preferred in a court with appropriate jurisdiction. Police have stated that they will continue to work closely with prosecuting authorities to ensure that all legal requirements are met and that the matter proceeds through the judicial process accordingly.
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