A High Court in Minna has sentenced a 16-year-old girl, Joy Afekafe, to life imprisonment for her role in the killing of a university lecturer, Dr. Funmilayo Sherifat Adefolalu, in October 2023.
The tragic incident occurred in Gbaiko, a community on the outskirts of Minna, Niger State.
Justice Mohammed Adishetu of Minna High Court 4 found Joy Afekafe guilty of culpable homicide and armed robbery both punishable under sections 221 and 298 of the Penal Code.
The convict, who was 14 years old at the time of the crime, had worked briefly as a housemaid for the late Dr. Funmilayo Adefolalu, a lecturer at the Federal University of Technology, Minna.
According to court proceedings, Joy was sent away by her employer after she was caught stealing.
In retaliation, she allegedly conspired with two accomplices, identified as DJ Wallex and DJ Smart, who are now on the run.
The trio reportedly attacked the lecturer in her home using knives and a wooden stool. Dr. Funmilayo died on the spot from the injuries sustained, while the attackers carted away her phones, laptop, and foreign currency.
During the trial, the court reviewed Joy’s statement to the police and found that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. Because she was under 18 at the time of the crime, the court could not impose the death penalty.
Justice Mohammed instead sentenced Joy to life imprisonment for culpable homicide and an additional 10 years for armed robbery to be served at a correctional facility.
The ruling brings closure to a case that shocked the FUT Minna community and sparked public concern over rising juvenile involvement in violent crimes.
