Tragedy in Ondo: 23-Year-Old Tailor Arraigned for Allegedly Stabbing Friend to Death Over Missing Stabiliser

 

In a disturbing turn of events that has shaken the Ikese community in Oka-Akoko, located in Akoko North West Local Government Area of Ondo State, a 23-year-old tailor, Faith Adeola, popularly known by his nickname ‘Chelsea’, has been arraigned for allegedly stabbing a man to death during a heated altercation over a missing stabiliser.

The tragic incident, which occurred on May 10, 2025, has sparked a wave of reactions across the state, as residents and authorities seek clarity on what exactly transpired that afternoon.

What Really Happened in Oka-Akoko?

According to eyewitnesses and preliminary police investigations, the altercation between Faith Adeola and the deceased, Gbenga Olotu, began over the disappearance of an electrical stabiliser — a relatively small household item that ultimately led to a fatal outcome.

Both men were reportedly familiar with each other and lived in the same neighborhood, often referred to as “street brothers.” The confrontation that day, however, quickly spiraled out of control. It is alleged that Gbenga Olotu, also known in the area as ‘Zagazar’, was under the influence of hard drugs at the time of the incident. According to residents, his behavior had become erratic, aggressive, and volatile.

During the clash, Olotu allegedly attempted to stab Adeola and his wife with a knife. In an apparent effort to defend himself, Faith Adeola was said to have overpowered Olotu, wrestled the weapon from him, and then used it to stab Olotu in the chest. In addition to the stab wound, reports also indicate that Adeola struck Olotu with a piece of wood during the scuffle.

Eyewitnesses said Olotu began bleeding heavily on the scene. He was immediately rushed to the General Hospital by concerned residents, but sadly, it was too late — the attending physician pronounced him dead on arrival.

Police Investigation and Legal Action

Following the fatal stabbing, the incident was swiftly reported to the Oka-Akoko Police Division, which wasted no time in launching an investigation. The case was later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, for more in-depth interrogation and legal processing.

On May 23, 2025, Adeola was formally arraigned before an Akure Magistrates’ Court. The arraignment marked a critical step in the legal proceedings surrounding the case, drawing significant public and media attention.

The prosecutor, Inspector Folashade Adeyemi, presented the case against Adeola, detailing the timeline and gravity of the crime. She told the court that the defendant committed the offence at around 2:30 p.m. on May 10, 2025, in the Ikese community, where the fight allegedly took place.

The Murder Charge

The formal charge presented to the court reads:

“Faith Adeola 'm', on May 10, 2025, at about 2:30, at Ikese community, Oka-Akoko, in the Ondo State Magisterial District, did unlawfully stab one Olotu Gbenga 'm' a.k.a ‘Zagazar’ with a knife on his chest and also hit him with wood on his body, which resulted in his death.”

Inspector Adeyemi further informed the court that the offence contravened Sections 316 and 319 of the Criminal Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006, which address unlawful killing and define the penalties for murder-related offences in the state.

No Plea Entered as Court Seeks DPP Advice

At the arraignment hearing, the defendant's plea was not taken, as the case is still at a preliminary stage and awaiting further legal advice.

Inspector Adeyemi prayed the court to remand the defendant to a correctional facility pending advice from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). This legal advice will determine whether the case should proceed to a higher court — such as the High Court — which handles capital offences like murder.

Meanwhile, Adeola’s defence counsel requested an adjournment, stating they needed more time to properly respond to the prosecution's application and prepare their legal arguments.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. R.I. Adelakin, granted the request and adjourned the matter until May 29, 2025, for the hearing of the application and possible ruling. Until then, she ordered that the defendant be remanded at the SCID in Akure.

Community Reaction: Mixed Emotions

The community of Ikese in Oka-Akoko remains in shock. Many residents describe both the accused and the deceased as familiar faces, with some struggling to come to terms with what has happened.

A community member who spoke anonymously to NaijaRush said,

“We know them both. Chelsea [Adeola] is a quiet tailor, always focused on his sewing. Gbenga [Olotu] has had issues in the past, especially with drugs. It’s a very painful loss, but also a warning sign. Substance abuse is destroying our youth.”

Another resident added:

“We are calling on the government to do more about drugs. If help had come earlier, maybe this would have been prevented.”

The incident has reignited discussions about the growing concerns of drug abuse, youth violence, and mental health challenges in Nigerian communities — especially in semi-urban and rural areas where access to rehabilitation and counseling services remains limited.

Legal Implications and What’s Next

As the legal proceedings continue, the case of Faith Adeola vs. The State could serve as a landmark for issues involving self-defense and excessive force in Nigeria’s criminal justice system.

If the DPP rules that Adeola has a case to answer and the matter proceeds to a higher court, he may be formally charged with murder, which carries a maximum sentence of death under Nigerian law, if found guilty.

However, his legal team may argue self-defense, pointing to the claim that Olotu was the aggressor and that Adeola acted in response to an imminent threat to his and his wife’s lives. The court will have to carefully weigh the evidence, including witness testimonies, medical reports, and police findings, before arriving at a verdict.

Final Thoughts

The tragic incident in Oka-Akoko is a grim reminder of how quickly everyday disputes can escalate into irreversible tragedies. It also highlights the dire need for improved conflict resolution education, community policing, and proactive measures against substance abuse.

As the legal drama unfolds in Akure, many across Ondo State and Nigeria at large will be watching closely — not just for justice, but for lessons on how to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Stay with NaijaRush.com for continuous updates on this developing story and more on crime, justice, and social issues in Ondo State and beyond.