An Ondo Chief Magistrate Court in Akure has ordered the remand of James Emmanuel, a 35-year-old man, for the alleged rape and murder of a 55-year-old woman, Mrs. Deborah Abiodun. The incident, which took place in the Oke-Odu area of Akure on January 17, 2024, has sparked widespread shock and condemnation.
Emmanuel, who was a co-worker of the victim, was apprehended by the state police command following the gruesome discovery of Mrs. Abiodun’s body. Report revealed that the accused allegedly raped Mrs. Abiodun to death, then subsequently struck her head with a stone, and disposed of her body in a waste pit. This heinous act led to his arraignment on two counts of murder and rape.
During the court proceeding, Police Prosecutor Anwana Josephine detailed the charges against Emmanuel. According to the charge sheet, the crime committed by Emmanuel is contrary to Section 357 and punishable under Section 358 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006. The nature of the crime, involving both rape and murder, has drawn significant attention to the severity of the allegations.
The Chief Magistrate, F.A. Aduroja, delivered a ruling that saw Emmanuel remanded in a correctional center in Ondo town. The case has been adjourned until March 27, 2024, for further hearing.