Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
A Federal Capital Territory High Court has sentenced a former driver, Jonathan Marcus, to death by hanging for the brutal murder of his elderly employers, Mr. Adebola Ezekiel, 80, and his wife, Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel, at their residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. The judgment, delivered on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, by Justice M. S. Idris, brings to a close a case that had gripped the nation since the couple was found murdered in their home more than two years ago.
The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, relying on circumstantial evidence, including a damning video confession played in open court where Marcus admitted to causing the deaths. Justice Idris invoked the provisions of Section 221 of the Penal Code and sentenced Marcus to death by hanging. According to the News Agency of Nigeria, the convict, armed with a jackknife, broke into the residence at No. 46 Moses Adasu Close, Apo Legislative Quarters, on April 1, 2024, and slit the throats of both victims, leading to their deaths.
The incident occurred on April 1, 2024, at the couple's home in Zone D, Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. The couple's son, Seun Ezekiel, became worried after repeatedly calling his father's phone to no avail. He then contacted the chief security officer of the estate and authorised him to break into the house. The security personnel discovered the lifeless bodies of the octogenarian and his wife in a pool of their own blood, their throats slit.
An extensive investigation was launched by the FCT Police Command, which led detectives to track the suspect to Obajana, Kogi State, where he had gone into hiding after committing the crime. According to the police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, a private tracker was used to trace the deceased's phone, and Marcus's picture appeared as his SIM card was in the phone, leading to his arrest. During interrogation, Marcus confessed to gaining access to the couple's residence at about 11 p.m. on the night of the incident and murdering them.
Investigations revealed that Marcus had previously worked as the couple's driver but was dismissed following repeated disagreements with his employers. During his parade by the police, he claimed he had worked for the couple for about 10 years and blamed the killings on alleged ill-treatment by the late Ezekiel. He alleged that he was not adequately paid despite combining his work as a mechanic with driving the couple.
Despite his claims, the court found the prosecution's evidence compelling. Justice Idris noted that the testimony of the witnesses gave clear circumstances that led to the deaths, and the video evidence where Marcus admitted to the crime proved he caused it. The prosecution counsel, Adama Musa, had told the court that the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 220 (a) and (b) of the Penal Code.
Reacting to the judgment, the FCT Police Command described the conviction as a demonstration of its resolve to ensure that criminal offences are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted. The command reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its continued commitment to protecting lives and property and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice in accordance with the law.
For the family of the deceased, the verdict brings a measure of closure after two years of agonising uncertainty. As one relative put it, "Justice has finally been served, even though it cannot bring back our loved ones." The convicted driver now awaits the execution of his sentence, a stark warning to those who would resort to violence to settle grievances.
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