Olasunkanmi Kareem attempted to murder one Omoboriwo Bashiru by setting him ablaze
A man named Olasunkanmi Kareem was found guilty of attempting to kill his former boss by setting him on fire and was sentenced to life in prison by an Ekiti State High Court.
In accordance with Section 241 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, the convicted individual was arraigned on November 18, 2024, on a one count of attempted murder.
The count read, “The defendant, on August 11, 2024, at Ifaki Ekiti, attempted to murder one Omoboriwo Bashiru by setting him ablaze.”
Bashiru, the victim narrated the incident, he said, “The defendant was once my apprentice at my mechanic workshop. Even after he graduated, I continued to assist him whenever he had issues with customers’ cars.
“On that day, he called me around 8pm, asking about a carburettor I had helped him repair. When I told him I didn’t see it, he became abusive and threatened to set me ablaze wherever he found me. I thought he was joking. Later, I called him, and he told me where he was.
“We met at a vulcanizer’s workshop, and an argument ensued. Unknown to me, he had a gallon of petrol in his hand. Since it was dark, I didn’t see it until he poured it on me.
“When I realized it was petrol, I tried to run, but my body was already on fire. I fell into a drainage before some passersby rescued me and put out the fire. I suffered severe burns and was rushed to the hospital.”
A medical report, images of the victim, and Kareem’s statement were all given as evidence by the prosecution, which was led by Kunle-Shina Adeyemo. Additionally, four witnesses were presented as witnesses.
In his own defense, the defendant testified, but he did not call any witnesses to speak on his behalf.
During the delivery of verdict, Justice Jibril Aladejana came to the conclusion that Kareem had lured the victim to a certain area, ambushed him behind an electric pole, and then drenched him with petrol before setting him on fire.
The Judge ruled, “The facts before the court show that the defendant deliberately set out to harm the victim. But for the intervention of passersby, the victim would have died. This intentional act of causing grievous bodily harm amounts to attempted murder.
“In my view, the defendant does not deserve leniency. He should face the full wrath of the law.” The Judge sentenced him to life imprisonment.