The case revolves around the murder of Timothy Adegoke, a postgraduate student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State. Adegoke, who had been staying at Hilton Hotels, owned by Ramon Adedoyin, died under mysterious circumstances between November 5 and 7, 2021.
His death sparked national outrage after it was revealed that his body was allegedly disposed of by hotel staff to conceal the incident. In May 2023, an Osun State High Court found Adedoyin, along with two hotel staff members, Adeniyi Aderogba and Oyetunde Kazeem, guilty of Adegoke’s murder, sentencing them to death by hanging.
The court also ordered the forfeiture of Hilton Hotels and mandated the convicts to fund the education of Adegoke’s children. Three other staff members were acquitted, and the receptionist on duty, Adesola Adedeji, was sentenced to two years in prison.
The Court of Appeal in Akure, Ondo State, has reserved judgment on an appeal by Ramon Adedoyin, the owner of Hilton Hotels, challenging the death sentence imposed on him for the murder of Timothy Adegoke, an OAU postgraduate student.
Adedoyin, along with two hotel employees, was convicted and sentenced to death for their role in the student’s death, allegedly attempting to cover up the crime by disposing of Adegoke’s body on a nearby road.
Adedoyin’s lawyer, Kehinde Eleja (SAN), argued that there was no direct evidence linking his client to Adegoke’s murder and highlighted contradictions in the initial ruling. According to Eleja, the Osun State High Court’s judgment, which also mandated Adedoyin to forfeit his hotel to fund the education of Adegoke’s children, lacked substantial grounds.
The prosecution, led by Femi Falana (SAN), presented strong evidence, including forensic analysis showing blood stains in Adegoke’s room, testimony from a pathologist confirming death due to severe hemorrhage, and witness statements regarding Adedoyin’s attempts to cover up the death. The appeal court, led by Justice Olufemi Akeju, has postponed judgment and will notify both parties of a decision date.
Meanwhile, Aderogba and Kazeem, the convicted staff members, also appealed, denying involvement and referencing inconclusive autopsy results due to the body’s decomposition. However, Falana argued that evidence of their involvement, including an oath of secrecy taken with Adedoyin’s son, Raheem, and participation in disposing of Adegoke’s body, were sufficient grounds to affirm the lower court’s decision.
