By Peace Udugba
An FCT High Court has sentenced Jonathan Marcus to death by hanging for the murder of his former employer, 80-year-old Adebola Ezekiel, and his 79-year-old wife, Abiodun Ezekiel, at their residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.
The conviction followed the successful prosecution of the case by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command after an extensive investigation into the double murder, which occurred on April 1, 2024.
According to a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the couple were brutally murdered in their home in Zone D, Apo Legislative Quarters.
Police investigations led to the arrest of Jonathan Marcus, a former driver to the deceased couple, who fled to Obajana in Kogi State after committing the crime.
During interrogation, Marcus confessed to sneaking into the couple’s residence at about 11:00 p.m. on the day of the incident and murdering them.
Investigations further revealed that he had been dismissed from his job as the couple’s driver following repeated disagreements with his employers.
The suspect was subsequently arraigned before the FCT High Court, where the Police diligently prosecuted the case.
Delivering judgment, Justice M. S. Idris held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and convicted Marcus on two counts of murder. The court thereafter sentenced him to death by hanging.
Reacting to the judgment, the FCT Police Command said the conviction demonstrates its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of crime and holding offenders accountable.
The Command also reassured residents of the Federal Capital Territory of its resolve to protect lives and property while bringing criminal elements to justice in accordance with the law.
