A dismissed police inspector, Paul Joseph, has been sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of Moshood Ademola Ismail.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court, sitting in Tafawa Balewa Square, delivered the judgment, ruling that Joseph was guilty of shooting Ismail in the head during a patrol in Aguda on March 28, 2019.
The court found that Joseph’s actions violated Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Justice Sonaike stated that the prosecution, through its final written address and additional submissions, successfully proved the case of murder against the defendant.
The prosecution’s key witness, Kudus Ibrahim, the brother of the deceased, confirmed Ismail’s death but was not present at the scene.
He was called after the incident occurred. Joseph, who led the patrol team that day, denied firing the fatal shot but admitted to being in the area at the time.
The trial began on May 25, 2022, and faced delays due to difficulties locating prosecution witnesses.
It concluded on October 19, 2023. On May 15, 2024, the court granted the prosecution’s request to obtain additional statements from the defendant, despite opposition from the defense.
Justice Sonaike expressed concern over the absence of other police officers from Joseph’s patrol team, noting that their testimony could have been crucial in determining the truth.
She criticized their failure to appear, suggesting it was an attempt to shield a colleague from justice.
“The defendant admitted to patrolling the area on the day of the incident and acknowledged that someone had died from a gunshot. His behavior, along with other evidence, confirmed his guilt,” she stated.
The judge emphasized that the nature of the gunshot wound showed clear intent to kill or cause serious harm.
“The use of a live weapon and the fatal wound inflicted leave no doubt that the defendant caused the death,” she added.
Justice Sonaike also called for disciplinary action against the officers who refused to testify, stating that such individuals should not remain in the police force.
“Such officers have no business being paid with taxpayers’ money,” she remarked.
During the sentencing, Joseph’s defense counsel, B.O. Abdusalam, pleaded for leniency, highlighting that his client was a first-time offender who had completed four reformative courses while in custody.
However, the judge upheld the death sentence, stressing the need for accountability within the police force to prevent similar incidents in the future.
