JUST IN: A Federal High Court in Abuja has sentenced Jonathan Marcus to death by hanging for the murder of his former employer and his wife.
ABUJA, NIGERIA — Jonathan Marcus has been sentenced to death by hanging by a Federal High Court in Abuja for the murder of Adebola Ezekiel, 80, and his wife, Abiodun Ezekiel, at their residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja. The judgment came on Tuesday, July 1, following the conclusion of the trial, according to a statement by the FCT Police Command.
Police said the tragic incident happened on April 1, 2024, at the couple’s residence in Apo Legislative Quarters. Following the incident, investigators launched an extensive manhunt that led to the arrest of Marcus in Obajana, Kogi State, where he reportedly went into hiding after the attack.
According to the police, the convict confessed during interrogation that he entered the residence of the deceased around 11 p.m. on April 1, 2024, and carried out the attack. Further investigations showed that Marcus previously worked as the couple’s driver but lost his job after repeated disagreements with his employers, the statement said.
The suspect later faced trial before the FCT High Court, where prosecutors presented evidence against him. Hon. Justice M. S. Idris held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and subsequently convicted Marcus for the murder of the elderly couple.
In a statement issued after the judgment, FCT Police spokesperson, SP Josephine Adeh, said the command remains committed to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory. She also assured residents that law enforcement agencies would continue to ensure that offenders face justice in accordance with the law.
The development means the case has reached its legal conclusion after more than a year of investigation and prosecution. It also highlights the determination of security agencies and the judiciary to pursue serious criminal cases and hold offenders accountable through the legal process.
