Court Sentences Ex-Driver to Death for Murder of Elderly Abuja Couple

A former driver, Jonathan Marcus, has been sentenced to death by hanging by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court for the murder of an elderly couple, Adebola Ezekiel, 80, and his wife, Abiodun Ezekiel, at their residence in Apo Legislative Quarters, Abuja.

The development was disclosed in a statement issued by the FCT Police Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, on July 1, 2026.

The conviction followed the successful prosecution of the case by the FCT Police Command after an extensive investigation into the killings, which occurred on April 1, 2024, in Zone D of the Apo Legislative Quarters.

According to the police, the suspect fled to Obajana in Kogi State shortly after the incident but was traced, arrested and returned to Abuja to face trial.

Investigations revealed that Marcus had previously worked as the couple’s driver before his employment was terminated following a series of disagreements with his employers.

Police further disclosed that the convict confessed to breaking into the victims’ residence at about 11 p.m. on the night of the attack, where he murdered the elderly couple before fleeing the scene.

During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence linking the defendant to the crime, which the court found sufficient to establish his guilt beyond reasonable doubt.

In his judgment, Justice M. S. Idris convicted Marcus on two counts of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging in accordance with the law.

Reacting to the verdict, the FCT Police Command described the judgment as a significant milestone in its efforts to combat violent crime and ensure justice for victims of criminal acts.

The command reaffirmed its commitment to protecting lives and property across the Federal Capital Territory and pledged to continue pursuing criminal suspects to ensure they are brought before the law.

By Sophina Ovuike, Abuja 

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