Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A 21-year-old carpenter, Anthony Alabi, has been remanded in custody by an Akure Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State following his arraignment on charges of murder and theft in connection with the death of a 58-year-old woman, Veronica Olaseni, in Iboropa-Akoko, Akoko North-East Local Government Area. The case has drawn national attention due to the shocking nature of the allegations and the disturbing circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to court proceedings, the alleged offence occurred on 2 March 2026, around 2:30 p.m., when Alabi reportedly went to Olaseni’s farm under the pretext of stealing cashew nuts. Prosecutors told the court that the victim recognised him during the attempted theft, and in response he strangled her to death to prevent identification.
After committing the killing, Alabi is alleged to have taken several of the deceased’s possessions, including a mobile phone valued at about ₦150,000, a cutlass, and an ATM card. These items were cited in the two-count charge sheet read to the court, which included murder and theft under relevant provisions of the Ondo State Criminal Code Law.
In a disturbing confession to law enforcement and in court, Alabi reportedly admitted not only to killing Olaseni but also to engaging in a sexual act with her body after her death. When questioned about his actions, he reportedly said, “I didn’t want her body to waste,” a remark that has heightened public outrage and raised serious concerns about the nature of the offence.
When Alabi was brought before the Magistrate’s Court in Akure, Presiding Magistrate Temitope Adurota declined to take his plea, citing lack of jurisdiction over the gravity of the charges. Murder cases are beyond the constitutional remit of magistrate courts, which is why the matter has been transferred to the office of the Director of Public Prosecutions for legal advice on the appropriate level of prosecution. The case was adjourned to 6 June 2026 for mention pending advice from the DPP.
The prosecution informed the court that Alabi appeared without legal representation. The court subsequently ordered that he be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure while awaiting further instructions from the DPP’s office.
The Ondo State Police Command, which led the investigation, confirmed that detectives were able to track Alabi after following leads, including tracing missing items that belonged to the victim, which ultimately led to his arrest. Authorities described the incident as barbaric and vowed to pursue the legal process diligently.
Local reactions have been marked by shock and condemnation, with community members and rights advocates calling for a thorough investigation and insisting that justice be served. The case has also sparked broader discussions about violent crime, mental health concerns, and the need for stronger protective measures, especially for older and vulnerable citizens.
As the matter moves toward further legal scrutiny, the prosecution will have to present evidence before a competent court once the DPP’s advice is concluded, and Alabi will remain in custody until then.
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