The Federal Capital Territory High Court has sentenced one Jonathan Marcus to death, for the murder of an elderly couple, Mr. Adebola Ezekiel and his wife, Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel, at their residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.
The judgment brings to a close the prosecution of the case by the FCT Police Command, more than two years after 80 years old Adebola Ezekiel and his wife, were found murdered in their home on April 1, 2024.
Police Public Relations Officer of the FCT Command, SP Josephine Adeh, who revealed this in a statement on Wednesday, said extensive investigation led to the arrest of the suspect after he fled Abuja.
“The investigation led to the arrest of the suspect, Jonathan Marcus, a former driver to the deceased, who was tracked to Obajana, Kogi State, where he had gone into hiding after he committed the crime. He was subsequently arrested and brought to Abuja for further investigation.”
According to the police, Jonathan Marcus confessed during interrogation to entering the victims’ residence at about 11 p.m. on the night of the incident and murdering the couple.
The command said investigations further revealed that the convict had previously worked as the couple’s driver but was dismissed following repeated disagreements with his employers.
He was subsequently arraigned before the FCT High Court, where prosecutors presented evidence against him.
According to the statement, after reviewing the evidence and hearing arguments from counsel, Justice M. S. Idris held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt.
“Consequently, the Court convicted Jonathan Marcus and sentenced him to death by hanging for the murder of Mr. Adebola Ezekiel and Mrs. Abiodun Ezekiel.”
The police described the conviction as a demonstration of its resolve to ensure that criminal offences are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted.
The command also 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.
