Farm worker in Ondo apprehended over employer’s husband death

An Ondo State Magistrate Court sitting in Akure has ordered the arrest of one John Odah in prison for allegedly using a machete to kill his employer’s husband.

The defendant was arrested by the operatives of the state police command, for allegedly committing the crime on April 18, 2025, at Agbajo farm, in Ilu-Abo, Akure North Local Government Area of the state.

The wife of the deceased had employed Odah to work on their farm.

On the day of the incident, Odah had offered the deceased Indian hemp, which was rejected.

Following the Indian hemp rejection, a fierce argument and confrontation ensued, leading to the defendant using the machete to strike the deceased.

The defendant was arrested and faces a one-count charge of murder.

During the arraignment in court, the prosecutor, Inspector Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendant committed the offence at about 2 pm April 18, 2025, at Agbajo Farm, at Ilu-Abo in Akure.

Akintimehin alleged that Odah inflicted fatal machete wounds on the deceased’s forehead and back, which eventually led to his death.

The charge sheet sighted on Monday read, “That you, John Odah, m, on April 18, 2025, at about 2:pm, Agbajo farm via Ilu-Abo, in the Akure Magisterial District, did unlawfully machete one Sunday Innocent ‘m’ with a cutlass on his forehead and back which resulted in his death.”

According to the prosecution, the offences, according to the charge, contravened Sections 319(1) and 320(1) of the Criminal Code Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge but his plea was not taken by the magistrate court.

The prosecutor particularly prayed the court to remand the defendant at any correctional facilities in the state pending advice from the office of the Directorate of Public Prosecution.

Ruling, the magistrate, Mrs. O. Omotosho granted the request of the prosecutor and ordered for the remand of the defendant in the correctional centre, directing the prosecutor to duplicate the case file for the DPP.

The case was adjourned till May 30, 2025, for mention.