The Ogun State Government, through its Ministry of Justice, has secured the conviction of three individuals involved in a ritual killing in the Kugba area of Abeokuta South Local Government.

The convicted individuals—Mustakeem Balogun, Soliudeen Majekodunmi, and Lukmon Abdulgafar—were found guilty of the brutal murder of 16-year-old Sofia Okeowo, which occurred on January 28, 2022.

Sofia had reportedly visited her boyfriend, Mustakeem, who, during a sexual encounter, conspired with Soliudeen to fatally assault and strangle her. The pair then beheaded the victim, mutilated her body, and concealed her remains in a sack. Her severed head was taken to Lukmon’s residence, where it was placed on a local burner in an attempted ritual.

A video that circulated online at the time showed the three suspects caught by local vigilantes, with Sofia’s head visibly burning in the device while they chanted incantations.

Following a thorough trial, the Ogun State High Court found all three guilty of murder. Mustakeem Balogun and Soliudeen Majekodunmi were sentenced to death, while Lukmon Abdulgafar received a life sentence.

Reacting to the verdict, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Oluwasina Ogungbade, stated: “Ogun State has won this case, and the convicts have been conclusively excluded from civilised society for the considerable future. We are grateful for the closure this judgment brings to Sofia’s family.”

He praised the prosecutors for their resilience and commitment to justice, and reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to upholding the rule of law.

Ogungbade also urged young people to pursue meaningful paths such as acquiring skills or securing legitimate employment, instead of turning to harmful practices like money rituals. He further called on the public to embrace traditional values of hard work, lawfulness, and collective moral responsibility.