A 24-year-old labourer, Sunday Clement, has been remanded in the Olokuta Correctional Centre in Akure by an Akure Chief Magistrate Court. He stands accused of beheading a 30-year-old farmer, Taye Alatoye.
The incident allegedly occurred as Clement and Alatoye were on their way to the farm. Clement suddenly moved backward, produced a sharpened cutlass, and proceeded to cut Alatoye on the neck, resulting in his death. The motive behind the gruesome act remains unclear.
Clement was subsequently arrested by the Ondo State Police Command and charged with murder. According to the police prosecutor, Mary Adebayo, the offence took place on September 4, 2023, at about 2:30 pm at Baba Odun Camp, Ofosu in Odigbo Local Government Area of the state.
The charges against Clement are in violation of Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Code Law, Cap 37 Vol. II Law of Ondo State, 2006.
During the court proceedings, Adebayo presented a remand application, requesting that the defendant be held at the Olokuta Correctional Centre until the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) offers advice on the case.
Clement, who pleaded for forgiveness during the court appearance, explained that he was on his way to work on his portion of land on the fateful day after consuming a hard drug, Crystal methamphetamine, and marijuana. He claimed that while on the path to the farm, he suddenly heard voices instructing him to carry out the act, and he complied without understanding why.
Chief Magistrate Folasade Aduroja did not accept Clement’s plea due to a lack of jurisdiction. The court ordered the defendant’s remand in the Custodial Centre and directed that the case file be duplicated and sent to the DPP for advice.
The case has been adjourned until November 28, 2023, for further proceedings.
This disturbing incident underscores the need for a thorough investigation into the accused’s mental state and possible drug abuse issues.
